Masegra Castle, Sondrio, Italy - SpottingHistory.com

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

User Reviews

Veronica Bolognesi (4 months ago)
The place definitely makes a visit for the view and the exteriors. The museum, on the other hand, is worth the visit only if you are fond of mountaineering or interested in the local environment. That said, it's a great fun museum for kids because it has tons of interactive sections

Riccardo Tagliabue (5 months ago)
The castle can be reached with a quiet walk of about 20 minutes from the center of Sondrio. The visit to the castle was very interesting especially for those who love mountaineering as there is an interactive exhibition inside. Adjacent there is also a small exhibition dedicated to Carlo Mauri which I also recommend. The kindness and hospitality of the staff are priceless!

Marco Maria Lucchelli (9 months ago)
Easily accessible especially on foot. Panoramic point on the Sondrio basin and on the Orobie Valtellinesi. Yes you can visit the attached museum.

Carlotta Campagna (10 months ago)
Too bad that on our arrival it was closed for renovation.

Renata Rizzo (15 months ago)
The place is closed during summer, that's a shame

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Multimaniaco

Historic Site of the week

Royal Palace of Olite

The Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite was one of the seats of the Court of the Kingdom of Navarre, since the reign of Charles III 'the Noble' until its conquest by Castile (1512). The fortification is both castle and palace, although it was built more like a courtier building to fulfill a military function.

On an ancient Roman fortification was built during the reign of Sancho VII of Navarre (13th century) and extended by his successors Theobald I and Theobald II, which the latter was is installed in the palace in 1269 and there he signed the consent letter for the wedding of Blanche of Artois with his brother Henry I of Navarre, who in turn, Henry I since 1271 used the palace as a temporary residence. This ancient area is known as the Old Palace.

Then the palace was housing the Navarrese court from the 14th until 16th centuries, Since the annexation (integration) of the kingdom of Navarre for the Crown of Castile in 1512 began the decline of the castle and therefore its practically neglect and deterioration. At that time it was an official residence for the Viceroys of Navarre.

In 1813 Navarrese guerrilla fighter Espoz y Mina during the Napoleonic French Invasion burned the palace with the aim to French could not make forts in it, which almost brought in ruin. It is since 1937 when architects José and Javier Yarnoz Larrosa began the rehabilitation (except the non-damaged church) for the castle palace, giving it back its original appearance and see today. The restoration work was completed in 1967 and was paid by the Foral Government of Navarre.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Masegra Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Rhodes, The Island of Knights

Great Spa Towns of Europe

History of Guernsey & Jersey

Historic Site of the week

Royal Palace of Olite

Looks like you are a history fan!