베사노‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪5‬개의 동굴

Ruins of a small cave castle, clearly visible and with exposed access in the rock walls north of Mendrisio. A straight, three-story wall closes the natural cave. The main openings and probably the namesake are a high entrance and two windows. There is a cast iron window above the climb. Several embrasures and light hatches have been preserved. According to architectural criteria, the castle dates back to the 15th century. It probably served as a defensive refuge for a local leadership group. The Tanùn (Tanone), another cave on the ascent, which is closed off with a low wall, was probably related to Tri Böcc. An at least indirect connection is conceivable with the grotto hermitage of San Nicolao, which, according to tradition, was built by Loterio Rusca in 1413 in a higher rock echelon.

The original volume was completed in imitation of the medieval style, only to be subjected, years later (2014-2017), to a further restoration intervention in which the aim was to restore "the soul of the castle", preserving the ancient part, showing clearly the difference between the medieval part and the recent works.

In 1960 only the stone perimeter walls of the building and part of the defensive walls remained. During the early 1990s it was transformed and expanded to create a private residence.

Private building. Interesting example of architectural recovery. The current building was born from the transformation and expansion of an ancient medieval castle. Located on a promontory, at the time of its construction (11th century) the castle enjoyed a very strategic position and constituted an observation and defense point along the road to the Mara and Intelvi valleys.

The Doragno castle was born from the transformation of an ancient medieval castle. The original stone walls are highlighted by the large windows that complement the volume of the existing building.

I visited this Castle years ago, on the occasion of an FAI Day and it is really worth a visit whenever possible. But even the mere external view, on a beautiful day, repays the effort of the ascent.

Ancient ruins of an ancient castle. The coat of arms of Melano represents the lake, the Castellaccio (of which the ruins are still visible) built by the Como people around the year 1000 AD.