Castels Castle, Medieval castle ruin in Luzein, Switzerland
Castels is a medieval castle ruin in the municipality of Luzein in Graubünden, with wall remains from the 13th century and structures from various building phases. The site stands above the village and still shows parts of the residential tower and defensive walls that once secured a strategic position in the mountain landscape.
The castle was built in the Middle Ages and changed hands between different noble families until 1622, when Swiss troops captured it during a siege war. Victory was achieved through a water blockade strategy that starved the fortress into surrender.
The ruins served as a symbol of power for local noble families across centuries, and the remains show how important such strongholds were for controlling mountain passes. Visitors today can read from the stones how authority and protection were organized in this mountain region.
The site is accessible via marked hiking paths that run through the municipality of Luzein and offer fine views across the mountain landscape. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear, as the paths can be uneven and the season affects accessibility.
The castle was originally built on the foundations of a fortified church, showing how building sites were reused in this region. This shift from religious to military function is still visible in the ground plans of the ruin today.
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