The Matsch lords of the upper Vinschgau (Val Venosta), advocates for the bishop of Chur beyond the Alps (Rhineland sheet), were invested by the bishop of Como with the pieve of Mazzo in the upper Valtellina in 1150, and act as advocates of Bormio, whose commune recognised their rights in an agreement with Egino of Matsch in 1185 while barring further claims.
In Italian sources they are the Venosta. Who leads the family on 1 January 1200 is not pinned.
Who he is
- Name
- Not pinned for 1 January 1200. Egino of Matsch made the agreement of 1185 with Bormio (Egino I, attested 1160-1192); Egino II was born in 1189 (Rhineland sheet, Matsch)
- Title
- Advocates (Vögte) of Matsch; holders of the pieve of Mazzo from the bishop of Como; advocates of Bormio
- Since
- Mazzo since 1150
- Family
- Arnold of Matsch will be bishop of Chur (1209/10-1221).
- Confidence
- low
HLS, Valtellina (1150 investiture with the pieve of Mazzo); HLS, Matsch; Martinelli Perelli 1977 (Bormio's archive: 1185 agreement with Eginone of Matsch).
Overlord
The bishop of Como for the pieve of Mazzo; the bishop of Chur (claimed) for the Bormio advocacy.
What it holds
- The pieve of Mazzo: Mazzo, Grosio, Grosotto, Sondalo, Vervio, Tovo, Lovero (as the bishop of Como's vassals since 1150)
- The advocacy of Bormio (agreement of 1185)
- Their home lordship of Matsch in the Vinschgau (Rhineland sheet)
How it was acquired
Pieve of Mazzo 1150; Bormio advocacy before 1185.
Allies and rivals
Vassals of the bishops of Como and Chur; rivals of Como's commune for Bormio.
How things stand that morning
Holding the upper Valtellina of the bishop of Como; Bormio is self-governing but owes them the advocate's rights. Beyond the passes their own Vinschgau lordship (Rhineland sheet).
Wealth
Valley lordship; tolls and dues on the road from the Valtellina to the Vinschgau and the Engadine.
Threats
- Como's commune, which will bind Bormio to itself by the peace of 1201
Places of note
- Bormio (advocacy): The Matsch are Bormio's advocates by the agreement of 1185.
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: Two dated acts (1150, 1185); the head of the family in 1200 is not pinned.
On the map: The pieve's limits are the later ones.
Primary sources for Como
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- The Lombard city annals of Piacenza, Milan, Cremona, Parma, Mantua and Verona (kept in the 12th and 13th centuries). The communes' own year lists. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.