Castello Nuovo

Grosio, Italy

The Castle Hill of Grosio is dominated by two castles. The Old Castle (Castello Vecchio) was probably built at the end of the 10th century. The Castello Nuovo was built as a stronghold between 1350 and 1375 due to the military-strategic needs of the 14th century.

The castle is surrounded by a double defense wall and had next to e solid keep even a fortified internal tower. Apart from a military expedition by Giovanni Cane in 1376 to Bormio, which had its starting point here, the Castello Nuovo was never involved in military confrontation or siege. Today the castle is only preserved as a castle ruin because after 1526 the new political power in Valtellina ordered the destruction of all fortifications in the valley. That way the dominion of the Three Leagues wanted to avoid any potential danger that could emanate from their own castles.

During the period of the Bündner Wirren (1620-1639), the Thirty Years' War in Europe, the structure was used by the French under Duke Rohan as a military base and got partially restored. The Castello Nuovo is nowadays the best-preserved example of all the historic defensive structures in the Valtellina.

Between 1992 and 1997 in the area of the Castello Nuovo archaeological excavations could document the remains of a bronze and iron age settlement, dating from the middle of the 2nd to the end of the 1st millennium BC. Some of the small finds are now exposed in the excavation museum.

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Marker
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Address

Grosio, Italy
See all sites in Grosio

Details

Founded: 1350-1375
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Gengi Travel (4 months ago)
In Grosio, in addition to the Rupe Magna and the castle of San Faustino, there is also another castle, the Visconti-Venosta castle (or Castel Nuovo...), built in the 14th century at the behest of the Viscontis, of which only remains a double enclosure with several towers. It can be reached in a few minutes from the uphill dirt road that starts near the power plant. You can visit freely or as part of the guided tour (to be booked...) which also includes the Rupe Magna with its ancient engravings and the castle of S. Faustino. Very interesting is the redevelopment of the terraces at the foot of the walls in which many vines have been planted which create an unusual landscape in the area. Possibility to have a picnic, there are wooden tables outside the walls.
Giuseppe Marzulli (4 months ago)
It is located in a dominant position on the promontory (called Dosso dei Castelli), which overlooks the towns of Grosio and Grosotto, clearly visible from the road leading to Bormio. There are two castles a short distance from each other: the Visconti Venosta castle, also known as Castello Nuovo and the castle of San Faustino, also known as Castello Vecchio. They are located in the Rock Engravings Park of Grosio and can be reached with a short but steep walk. The New Castle, built between 1350 and 1370 by the Visconti of Milan, who had conquered Valtellina in 1335, was essential for the control of Val Grosina and the Mortirolo pass. It underwent various historical events and currently, although only imposing ruins remain, it is one of the best preserved examples of castles in the province of Sondrio. It is a very pleasant, scenic and well-kept place.
Alessandra (7 months ago)
Very beautiful place, well kept and characteristic. In the park it is possible to book a guided tour of the rock engravings. There are set times 10.30am/4.00pm/5.00pm.
Alessandro Alex Plebani (9 months ago)
The route to get there and the location are beautiful. More than a castle, they are the remains of a castle. It's a shame to have lost all this cultural heritage. However, it is worth a visit, together with the old castle and the Rupe Magna.
Pat W (7 years ago)
The inner castle (not just indoors also outdoors) can only be visited on a guided tour of which there are simply too few a day. Would have been nice to simply let the people wander about outside.
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