Castel Masegra, Sondrio

Castel Masegra stands in Sondrio in a dominant position at the mouth of the Valmalenco. It is the only one of the three town castles that survived the dismantling of all Valtellina fortifications ordered by the Grisons in 1639; this is because it was at the time the residence of the powerful Grisons family of Salis.

The castle has a medieval foundation, evidenced even today by the two towers located to the northeast and northwest. At that time its use was predominantly military, and entrance was from the west, via a narrow path up from the long Mallero River. Over the centuries it underwent numerous remodeling to adapt it to the various dominant functions for which it was used. During the late Middle Ages it became the residence of the de' Capitani, or Capitanei, and later Beccaria families. In the Renaissance period the castle assumed a predominantly residential function: this is evidenced by some external architectural elements, such as the loggia and, on the south side, the turret used as a dovecote, but also by a valuable frescoed room with an umbrella vault. With the advent of the Grisons, it became the home of the Salis family, who used it as a residence, but mainly as a wine storehouse. The present entrance from the east side, which allowed access to the castle with wagons, dates from this period. With the return of Valtellina to the Duchy of Milan, the castle came into the possession of the Guicciardi family, who donated it to the State Property Office. It was then used as barracks and later as the seat of the Military District, until the 1980s.

The Masegra Castle Historical Museum illustrating the three centuries of Graubünden rule in Valtellina has been opened at the old stables.