Mesocco

Mesocco lies in the Alpine valley of the Moesa, below the route over the San Bernardino Pass. Its castle, first recorded in 1219, grew from a fortified church into the seat of the barons of Sax-Misox. By the thirteenth century they ruled the valley, and their influence extended across the pass. The village itself was recorded in 1203.

In 1480 Mesocco and neighbouring Soazza joined the Grey League, while the Sax family sold the castle to the Milanese general Giacomo Trivulzio. A dispute over payment led the baron and local forces to besiege the castle unsuccessfully in 1483. Trivulzio later strengthened its defensive walls and placed cannon upon them. In 1526 the Three Leagues ordered the castle abandoned and moved the valley's administration to Roveredo.