Due to its strategic location between Italy and central Europe, in the past the Valtellina was home to a multitude of castles and strongholds. One that is particularly worthy of note is “Castello de Piro al Grumello”, more commonly known as Castel Grumello (Grumello Castle). It is named after the rocky outcrop, or grumo, on which it was built in the late-13th and early 14th centuries by the Ghibelline Corrado de Piro, whose family had moved to the Valtellina following factional fighting between Milan and Como. In the mid-14th century, the de Piro family suffered a rapid decline, causing them to sell the castle to their rivals, the Capitanei. The castle was then destroyed in 1526 by the Grey League, thus sharing the fate of many other fortifications in the valley. Grumello is a rare example of a “twin” castle, composed of two separate buildings, one military and one residential, surrounded by walls. The military structure, to the east, was designed for defence and also served as a vantage point, as evinced by the imposing square tower and the foundations of a second tower. The residential use of the second building is confirmed by the more carefully worked stone and by the remains of a fireplace in one of the rooms. Following its donation to FAI by Fedital in 1990, the Castle was restored and opened to the public in 2001.
Grumello Castle is open to the public every day (except non-public-holiday Mondays), at the following times:
Last entry: 30 minutes before closure.
Closed for the month of February.
For photo shoots and to request images click HERE
By car
From Lecco, take the SS 36 highway (linking Lake Como and the Splügen Pass) heading towards the province of Sondrio. Proceed on Via Strada Statale 38 dello Stelvio and take the Sondrio Via Vanoni exit, then follow the signs for “Castel Grumello” on Via Sant’Antonio in Montagna in Valtellina.
Free entry. To support FAI, a contribution of €2 per adults and €1 per child (6-18 years) would be gratefully received.
Guided tours are available for school groups. For information, write to scuola@fondoambiente.it
Ristoro Castel Grumello Restaurant
Closed Mondays.
For information and bookings:
tel. (+39) 0342 380994
www.ristorogrumello.com
https://www.facebook.com/ristorogrumello
Comfortable shoes are recommended.