Guardaval Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Madulain, Switzerland.
Description
Guardaval is a stone castle ruin on a rocky hilltop with a guard tower and sections of fortified walls that look out over the Engadin valley. The site sits at about 4600 feet (1400 meters) elevation and offers wide views over the surrounding mountain landscape from above.
History
The castle was built around 1250 under Bishop Volkard von Neuenburg as a fortified administrative center. It controlled trade routes over the Albula Pass and secured the church territories in this region.
Culture
The castle shows medieval building techniques visible in its arrow slits and reinforced entrance door. This construction style was common for fortified buildings in the Grisons region and helped residents protect their property.
Practical
The site is accessible year-round and lies about 15 minutes walk from Madulain station. The path to the ruins is clearly marked, but comfortable hiking shoes are recommended because of the steep and rocky trail.
Did you know?
Between 1850 and 1930 the castle functioned as a restaurant and inn before being restored as a historical monument. This unusual chapter of reuse shows how the ruins served different purposes in different eras.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Madulain).
Piz Kesch
6.1 km
Zuoz Bridge
2.6 km
Munt Müsella
3.9 km
Reformierte Kirche Zuoz
2.8 km
Piz Blaisun
5.7 km
Porchabella Glacier
6.3 km
Reformed church
5 km
Tower
2.7 km
Baselgia refurmeda, Madulain
271 m
Piz Mezzaun
3 km
Chapel St. Sebastian
2.5 km
Baselgia refurmeda Chamues-ch
1.3 km
Baselgia refurmeda La Punt
1 km
La baselgia Sta Chatrigna e Sta Barbara
2.9 km
Baselgia refurmeda S-chanf
4.8 km
Piz Val Müra
5.3 km
Golf Engadin St.Moritz - Course Zuoz-Madulain
1.6 km
Hotel Chesa Salis
4.8 km
Merleda house
878 m
Acla Serlas
7 km
Il Corn
5.3 km
Piz Uter
5.5 km
Chesa Planta Suot, Zuoz
2.7 km
Upper Planta house
2.7 km
Chesa Albertini
921 m
Piz Murtiröl
5.8 km
Chesa Froriep
964 m
Chasa Pult, Zuoz
2.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes