Ruins of the medieval castle Serravalle, Medieval fortress ruins in Semione, Switzerland

The Ruins of the medieval castle Serravalle sit on a wide rocky ridge with visible fortified walls and outer structures that extend across considerable distance. The site comprises multiple sections, with the main area accessed through narrow pathways.

Radiocarbon dates place the first castle around 900; it was destroyed around 1180, after Frederick Barbarossa stayed four days in 1176 and the Milanese took revenge following Legnano. The site lay in ruins for about fifty years until the Orelli family rebuilt it around 1220/30 as Serravalle II, seat of the Blenio valley lordship. The Pepoli held it from 1380 until its final destruction in 1402.

The castle area includes the church of Santa Maria di Castello, in front of which stands a square covered portico with stone benches on three sides and a fresco of Justice above the entrance door. A court is first documented there in 1329, and the building probably survived the destruction of 1402 because it belonged to the church.

Access to the ruins is via narrow footpaths that require good footing, making the site unsuitable for visitors with mobility limitations. Sturdy footwear and care on uneven ground are necessary.

The donjon, the strongest structure of the whole complex, has walls just over two metres thick. It was not bonded by masonry to the main building, so a wooden bridge from the north wing probably led to one of its upper floors. It was likely built around 1250.