Castello dei Griglioni

The origins of the Castello dei Griglioni date back to approximately 1250. It was erected on flat ground and featured a regular layout. Together with a similarly symmetrical outer bailey located to the west, the entire complex was surrounded by a moat. The core castle, a rectangle with its narrow side facing the lake, was divided into two equally sized halves by a central path flanked by walls. While the western half was likely used as a garden, the eastern part housed the main buildings, including the living quarters of the Milanese noble family Griglioni, the original owners. It is believed that the castle also served as a fortified customs post for the transshipment of goods between lake and land routes. The four corner towers did not project outwards but emphasized the corners of the castle rectangle internally. Accented tower edges with bossed ashlar and gatehouses attest to the significance of this complex in Ticino.

The Castello dei Griglioni is located in Ascona in the district of Locarno, Canton Ticino, Switzerland. It lies at an elevation of approximately 201 m above sea level directly on the shore of Lake Maggiore.

Today, the Castello dei Griglioni houses a hotel. Despite partial overbuilding and only fragmentarily preserved structures, the castle's former importance can still be discerned.