Rocca di Baiedo, Medieval fortress in Pasturo, Italy

Rocca di Baiedo is a medieval mountain fortress in Pasturo that stands on a rocky elevation at 720 meters (2,362 feet) high. It overlooks the Valsassina valley and surrounding pastures, displaying the typical construction style of fortifications from that era.

A castle is first documented here in 975 as "castrum qui dicitur Baliade"; around 1000 it belonged to Countess Ferlenda of Lecco, and from the 12th century to the Della Torre, until Azzone Visconti took the rock and valley in 1335. In 1447 Venetians besieged in the castle held the valley's traffic until Francesco Sforza expelled them in 1452 after a year-long siege. Simone Arrigoni extended the castle at the end of the 15th century; it was destroyed in 1513 during a popular revolt against French troops.

The structure displays typical features of a mountain fortress designed to blend with rocky terrain. Visitors can observe how people built defensive positions directly into the landscape to protect themselves and control the valley below.

Access is by marked hiking trail starting from the parking area at Via Nisella, passing a yellow house before ascending through forest paths. The walk requires moderate fitness due to the uphill terrain and natural ground conditions.

Leonardo da Vinci proposed enlarging the castle in the Codex Atlanticus, but the work was carried out at the end of the 15th century by Simone Arrigoni. The fortress was destroyed in 1513 during a popular revolt against the French troops occupying it, and only ruins remain.