Castelberg Castle, Castle ruin in Ilanz/Glion, Switzerland.
Castelberg is a castle ruin in Switzerland's Graubunden region, built around a substantial residential tower enclosed by a surrounding ring wall. The central tower measures approximately 9 by 9 meters, features thick stone walls, and rises four stories high.
The castle was founded in the early 13th century and belonged to the Castelberg family, who served as knights under the Bishop of Chur beginning in 1289. Over time, ownership changed hands and the site gradually lost prominence.
The castle reflects tensions that emerged during the Reformation, when local families became divided between religious faiths. Visitors can observe today how these divisions shaped the settlement and its physical layout.
The site is reachable by hiking trails and sits in a forested area near Ilanz that is best visited during warmer months. The trails are generally easy to navigate, though sturdy footwear is recommended due to the terrain.
Excavations in 1968 uncovered red plaster residue on the walls, pointing to a major fire that swept through before the castle was abandoned. This evidence reveals the ruin experienced a sudden, violent end rather than a gradual decline.
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