Also nicknamed the “Old Castle,” the San Faustino Castle stands on the hill of Dosso dei Castelli, overlooking the towns of Grosio and Grosotto. Its strategic position made it crucial for controlling the valley floor, the exit of the Val Grosina, and traffic toward the Mortirolo Pass.
History
The castle’s origins date back to the 10th–11th centuries, when the hill was fortified by order of the Bishop of Como. The first written document mentions it in 1150 under the name Castrum Groxii.
In the following centuries, the castle passed into the hands of the Venosta family and, starting from the 16th century, was gradually abandoned, entering a state of decay.
Architecture and setting
Today, the ruins of the castle remain, most notably the evocative Romanesque bell tower of the small church dedicated to Saints Faustino and Giovita, incorporated into the structure with a tower rebuilt in the early 1900s as a tribute to the original chapel.
The irregular layout of the walls, adapted to the hill’s morphology, suggests that this was less a traditional castle and more a fortified village, with walls likely surrounding the entire summit of Dosso dei Castelli.
The ancient fortress is set in an exceptional landscape: the surrounding slopes still feature dry-stone terraces, a testament to Valtellina’s traditional agriculture.
Why visit
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For the panoramic views over the valley and surrounding mountains: the climb to Dosso dei Castelli offers spectacular vistas, ideal for photos and a nature break.
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For the combination of archaeology, medieval history, and rural tradition: the castle tells the story of Valtellina and coexists with ancient landscape features, such as the vineyard terraces.
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For its accessibility: the site is part of the Parco delle Incisioni Rupestri di Grosio e Grosotto, which offers guided tours, environmental and cultural paths suitable for families, hikers, and history enthusiasts.
