New radiance for UNESCO World Heritage Site
Client
AMB Bellinzona
Project location
Bellinzona, Switzerland
Project date
2024
Photography
Giuseppe Saluzzi
New radiance for UNESCO World Heritage Site
In the glow of history: the fortress as a cultural beacon.
The “Fortezza Bellinzona” fortress complex has recently been given a modernized exterior lighting system – effective, highly efficient, and respectful of the history of the three well-preserved castles of Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro.
The fortress of Bellinzona is one of the most impressive examples of late medieval military architecture in the Alpine region and is visible from afar thanks to its exposed location. Strategically positioned at the entrance to the Alpine passes, the three castles served as a defense and demonstration of power for centuries.
Today, together with the city and defensive walls, they are protected by UNESCO. As a unique ensemble, they symbolize the connection between north and south, between Roman and Germanic culture. Their significance extends far beyond Ticino. They shape the cityscape of Bellinzona and attract thousands of visitors.
Products
Light through the ages
Why did the old lighting have to be replaced?
The previous lighting system dated back to 1990 – installed for the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation and designed by architect Aurelio Galfetti. 106 projectors with sodium vapor lamps of various wattages (250 W, 400 W, 2 x 400 W and 1000 W) bathed the castles in a yellowish monochrome light. But after more than three decades, signs of wear and tear were becoming apparent: around a third of the lights were rusted, many had been damaged by vandalism, and spare parts were hardly available anymore.
“In the end, we could only replace the light sources that were available on the market,” reports client Roberto Lucchini from Azienda Multiservizi Bellinzona (AMB), the technical services department of the city of Bellinzona. Modernization was unavoidable – not only from a technical point of view, but also in terms of light quality, environmental impact, energy consumption, and operating costs.
“The castles are an important symbol for the citizens of Bellinzona – and we wanted a solution that reflected this significance.”
Roberto Lucchini, AMB
Roberto Lucchini, AMB
Technology meets history
Lighting solutions from Thorn Lighting
Luminaires, masts, trusses, Zhaga connectors, and all mounting accessories—Zumtobel AG, with its Thorn brand, is a one-stop shop for everything you need. A total of 254 Thorn Contrast LED architectural spotlights were used – chosen for their extensive range of optics (narrow, medium, and wide beam) and accessories, which enable precise fine-tuning of the light distribution and prevent unnecessary light emissions through shading elements.
This meant that most of the luminaires, some of which were very difficult to access in the middle of the rock, could be retained. The new lighting technology allows the light level to be individually controlled for each luminaire. In addition, 100% light output is available immediately upon switching on – without a warm-up phase.
This meant that most of the luminaires, some of which were very difficult to access in the middle of the rock, could be retained. The new lighting technology allows the light level to be individually controlled for each luminaire. In addition, 100% light output is available immediately upon switching on – without a warm-up phase.
Individual mast and mounting systems were developed for each light point – as inconspicuous as possible, custom-made and without interfering with the historical substance.
Successful together
cooperation at eye level
The previous lighting system dated back to 1990 – installed for the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation and designed by architect Aurelio Galfetti. 106 projectors with sodium vapor lamps of various wattages (250 W, 400 W, 2 x 400 W and 1000 W) bathed the castles in a yellowish monochrome light. But after more than three decades, signs of wear and tear were becoming apparent: around a third of the lights were rusted, many had been damaged by vandalism, and spare parts were hardly available anymore.
“In the end, we could only replace the light sources that were available on the market,” reports client Roberto Lucchini from Azienda Multiservizi Bellinzona (AMB), the technical services department of the city of Bellinzona. Modernization was unavoidable – not only from a technical point of view, but also in terms of light quality, environmental impact, energy consumption, and operating costs.
“The castles are an important symbol for the citizens of Bellinzona – and we wanted a solution that reflected this significance.”
Roberto Lucchini, AMB
Roberto Lucchini, AMB
"The lighting must be stimulating, but always with respect for the historical heritage. By using efficient LED technology, non-invasive installations and an intelligent control system, we were able to reduce consumption and visual impact."
Stefano Dall'Osso, SPLD SA
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