Masegra Castle

Sondrio, Italy

The imposing Masegra Castle was built in the Middle Ages and strategically positioned at the opening of the Valmalenco valley so it could easily control the access to the valley.

Since it was the property of the influential Salis family, it is the only castle in the town of Sondrio which wasn’t destroyed by the Grisons during their invasion of Valtellina in the 16th century.

As time went by, the castle lost its original defensive function and was converted from rough military outpost into an elegant residence more suited to a refined court, as testified by the frescoed rooms and beautiful loggias. Recently the castle’s stables have been converted into a historical museum, which gives visitors an in-depth look into aspects of life in Valtellina during the three centuries (1512-1797) of the Grisons’ occupation.

References:

In Lombardia

Address

Salita Ligari 3, Sondrio, Italy

See all sites in Sondrio

Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

www.in-lombardia.it

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Grumello Castle (1,9 km)

Bergamo Cathedral (54,8 km)
Santa Maria Maggiore (54,8 km)
Tempietto di Santa Croce (54,8 km)
Venetian Walls of Bergamo (54,9 km)
San Vigilio Castle (54,4 km)
San Michele al Pozzo Bianco (54,5 km)
Santa Marta Church (51,3 km)
Madonna de Tirano (22,4 km)
San Nicolò Church (51,3 km)

User Reviews

patience oghogho (2 years ago)
Awesome

Adelio Negri (2 years ago)
Ok

Michaela Joanidisova (3 years ago)
It should be visited during the stay in Sondrio.

Adil Sikandar (3 years ago)
Lovely place to get a bird view of Sondrio and of course a quiet place.

Maria Teresa (4 years ago)
Excellent!!!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.