In 1054, there is evidence of a castle or fortified structure, which is mentioned in a document from 1439, specifying its location near the church of San Carpoforo, on the site of the current Tencalla house.

On the mountain side, where the old road that connected Bissone to Campione ran, the village was entirely sealed off by a defensive wall, with several gates that were closed at night, according to the custom of the times, to prevent wild animals from entering. In addition to these, one gate closed the village from the south around the castle area, while another one was found in the northern area, where the swimming pool is currently located. This third one, arch-shaped and decorated by the Bissone painter Carpoforo Tencalla, was destroyed towards the end of the 18th century. The toponym da drépóspòrta (literally "beyond the door"), still refers to the land beyond it.

Below, the three remaining gates of the ancient surrounding wall along the contrada Paolo Veronese

Contrada Maderni

Contrada Mazzetti

Contrada Gaggini