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The first document of Domofole Castle dates from 1023. It belonged to the wealthy Vicedomini family. It was destroyed in the late 13th century during the wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines families and rebuilt soon after. The quadrangular tower was built with very thick walls and numerous loopholes, or arrow slits.
This castle was destroyed in 1524 and abandoned to its fate after playing a valiant role in the many conflicts that have defined Valtellina’s history.
All that remains of the Castello di Domofole today is the imposing grey stone tower, parts of the circular wall, and remains of nearby churches.
Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.
The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.
These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.