Fairy Rock, Medieval rock castle ruins in Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Fairy Rock is a medieval castle ruin in Crans-Montana, consisting of two connected shelters carved directly into the rock face. These chambers sit at 1265 meters elevation and were built using locally quarried slate blocks.
The site was built between 1180 and 1200 as a defensive refuge during conflicts with the House of Zähringen and the Dukes of Savoy. It shows how the region was contested land between competing powers during the medieval period.
The name comes from old local stories about fairies and magical beings said to inhabit the area. Visitors can sense how folklore and legend have shaped the way people see this remote mountain spot.
The site is accessible via an asphalted road between Mollens and Aminona, with parking available near the forest trail entrance. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and exercise caution on the rocky approach paths.
The carved stone chambers have an unusual egg-shaped form that emerges because the rooms blend into the rock above and below them. This organic shape sets them apart from the typical rectangular chambers found in other fortifications.
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