Rappenstein Castle, Medieval castle ruin in Untervaz, Switzerland
Rappenstein Castle is a castle ruin in the Cosenz Gorge of Grisons canton, with tall stone walls and foundations forming its main remains. The structure was partly built across natural caves that extend into the rock face.
The castle was founded around 1255 by the Tumb von Neuburg family from Vorarlberg. It passed to the von Mötteli family around 1450.
The castle walls display a construction method called Pietra Rasa, where mortar served as both a binding agent and an exterior finish. This building technique still shapes how the ruin appears to visitors today.
Access to the castle is via hiking trails through the Cosenz Gorge, but care is needed especially in wet weather due to the challenging terrain. Good footwear and some hiking experience are important for a visit.
Inside the castle cave, wooden beam ends are visible that were deliberately cut when the site was abandoned. These details show how the structure was systematically left behind.
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