Burg Falkenstein

Written documents about the history of the castle are missing. In a document dated 11 December 1338, the castle is mentioned as Valkenstein, in the "Buoch der vestinen" of 1410 Falkenstain. 1365–1389 Ulrich von Falkenstein is mentioned; whether he was a nobleman is unclear. In 1508, the Urbar of Churwalden mentions a Falckenstainßwyß and a Falckenstain acker. In the catalogue of Bishop Johann VI Flugi von Aspermont (1636–1661) of 1645, Falckenstein and Fackelenstein are mentioned one after the other, which are the same castle; the name Fackelenstein is a later modification of the original name. At the beginning of the 16th century, Kury Butyg of Facklenstain, settled with Zuttzurs (Zizers), acquired a coat of arms with two torches, even though he was not of noble origin; on 27 September 1518 he is documented as Chuerin Buttig von Zizers. A noble family that named itself after the castle is therefore not verifiable. It is not known when the castle was abandoned.
The remains of the wall indicate at least two phases of construction. The older part includes the tower with a floor plan of approx. 12 by 8 m and a wall thickness of 1.9 m. This is followed by a rectangular palas from 12 to 13.5 m, in places in opus spicatum a vertical wall joint indicates a later construction. In the Palas itself, no traces of development can be seen. On the north wall there is a narrow gap with an arched niche with a bench and a rubble stone with a spout. In the western demolition of the wall, a door with beam holes can be seen. Below the building, a curtain wall follows the edge of the rock. The entrance gate was probably located in the east of the complex, but is buried by the ruins of the palace. The area of the lower-lying extensive outer bailey is surrounded by a barely recognizable wall; the thickness of the wall varies between 0.75 and 1.05 m. On the mountain side, the area is covered with debris. In the NW, the approach of a gate with the beam channel is preserved.