The so called Castello Vecchio (Old Castle) was mentioned the first time in a written document in the year of 1150 as „Castrum Groxi“, but archaeological results indicate a construction date already at about the end of the 10th century.

The preserved walls of the Castello Vecchio show the historic size of the whole structure.
The nowadays dominating church spire from Romanesque Period was partly restructured at the end of the 19th century.
The first construction-phase of the corresponding small church is dated by archaeological results into the 7th or 8th century.
Most probably built to cover the two medieval tombs which are cut directly into the rock.
The relatively limited size as well as the low fortification level indicate, that the castle was more a symbol of power of the feudatory than a fortress.
The feudatories of this area of the Valtellina were at this age the bishops of Como.
From about the 12th century onwards their vassals in the region of Grosio were the lords von Matsch, a family that has its origins in the Vinschgau (it.
Val Venosta).
That’s why the family in the Valtellina later on was called Venosta.
According to documentary evidence the castle was inhabited until the last decades of the 16th century.
The so called Castello Vecchio (Old Castle) was mentioned the first time in a written document in the year of 1150 as „Castrum Groxi“, but archaeological results indicate a construction date already at about the end of the 10th century.
The preserved walls of the Castello Vecchio show the historic size of the whole structure. The nowadays dominating church spire from Romanesque Period was partly restructured at the end of the 19th century. The first construction-phase of the corresponding small church is dated by archaeological results into the 7th or 8th century. Most probably built to cover the two medieval tombs which are cut directly into the rock. The relatively limited size as well as the low fortification level indicate, that the castle was more a symbol of power of the feudatory than a fortress. The feudatories of this area of the Valtellina were at this age the bishops of Como. From about the 12th century onwards their vassals in the region of Grosio were the lords von Matsch, a family that has its origins in the Vinschgau (it. Val Venosta). That’s why the family in the Valtellina later on was called Venosta. According to documentary evidence the castle was inhabited until the last decades of the 16th century.
Rock Engraving Park of Grosio