Bellinzone (Bellinzona), capital city of the Swiss canton Ticino, lies on a strategic position between Northern Italy and the Alp region, and is inhabited since prehistoric times. In Roman times the first military fortification was constructed, and over the centuries the fortress was reconstructed and improved. The town grew around the citadel from the 12th century onwards. The castle of Castelgrande and Montebello were built around 1300, the castle of Sasso Corbaro in 1480. A defensive wall called La Murata, extending from Castelgrande until across the Ticino River, was built in the early 15th century, and reconstructed in 1480. The wall was largely destroyed by a flood in 1515. Around 1500 Bellinzone became part of the Swiss Confederation, and the fortifications lost their importance.