Switzerland: EUROPA - "Castles"

Switzerland issued two different stamps for the 2017 EUROPA theme. The stamps show three different Castles in Bellinzona: Sasso Corbaro, Montebello and Castelgrande. Bellinzona's castles and their fortified walls form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their history dates back to the Palaeolithic Period. Castelgrande - depicted on the right-hand stamp - is the oldest of the three castles and was first mentioned in 590. From 1506 it became the seat of the federal governors of Canton Uri.Castello Montebello is the fortification in the middle. It was built towards the end of the 13th century, just as the Gotthard Pass was becoming the most important route across the Alps. It was home to the governors of Canton Schwyz. Castello di Sasso Corbaro, shown on the left, is the smallest and newest of the three castles, but enjoys the most elevated position. In 1506 the castle fell into the hands of Canton Nidwalden and remained there until it was passed on to newly founded Canton Ticino in 1803.

Stamps:
EUROPA "Castles" (Full Set) - Issued: 11-05-2017


Many thanks to Hansjürg for this nice Cover!