The Bellaguarda Castle is one of the most fascinating and well-preserved castles in the entire valley, perched just above the village of Tovo di S. Agata. To reach it, you follow a cobbled path winding through the woods that connects Tovo and Mazzo di Valtellina.
Once at the top, you are greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view showcasing the surrounding valley and the network of castles and towers scattered across the area.
Together with the Pedenale Tower in Mazzo, Bellaguarda Castle is a perfect example of the strategic control system over communication routes leading to the Mortirolo Pass — a crucial point for political and economic control of the region.
Records show that at least one tower existed as early as 1226, while most of the fortress dates back to the 13th century. The castle was developed through multiple construction phases, all tied to the Venosta family, one of Valtellina’s most influential political dynasties. The Venostas arrived in the region as early as the 11th century and quickly rose to dominance when the local aristocracy was still in its infancy.
However, the castle’s fate changed dramatically in 1487 when the Grisons army invaded Valtellina. A fire set in the castle forced the Venosta family to abandon it. From that moment on, the castle lost its role as a fortified residence and symbol of family power, becoming home instead to peasants who farmed the surrounding lands.
