Mesocco

After the expansion of the San Bernardino Pass road in 1821, the village developed along its route. Dominating and located on a rocky hill south of the village is the Castle of Mesocco, one of the most important ruins in the canton of Graubünden and the largest in Switzerland. The origins of the stronghold date back to the early Middle Ages. The fortress can be visited free of charge every day of the year. There are numerous architectural works, both religious and civil. Among the most beautiful Mesocco includes the Church of Sta Maria del Castello, with unique frescoes depicting the cycle of the twelve months with moments of rural and chivalric life; the oratory of San Lucio built at the beginning of the eighteenth century, with a single hall characterized by a cross vault. Above the façade rises a masonry bell gable; the house of Maggiorasca or house in Marca superiore built around 1500 for Colonel Giovanni a Marca and the small group of typical rural houses in the hamlet of Andergia, on the left bank of the Moesa river.