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. From 1365 to 1389, Ulrich von Falkenstein is mentioned; it is unclear whether he was a nobleman. In the Urbar of Churwalden in 1508 a Falckenstainßwyß and a Falckenstain acker are mentioned. In the catalogue of Bishop Johann VI Flugi von Aspermont (1636–1661) of 1645, Falckenstein and Fackelenstein are mentioned successively, although it is the same castle; the name Fackelenstein is a later change of the original name. At the beginning of the 16th century, Kury Butyg von Facklenstain, settled in 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 construction phases. The tower with a floor plan of approx. 12 by 8 m with a wall thickness of 1.9 m belongs to the older part. This is adjoined by a rectangular palas of 12 by 13.5 m, in places in Opus spicatum a vertical wall joint indicates a later construction. In the palace itself, there are no traces of development to be seen. On the north wall there is a narrow notch with a vaulted 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 ring 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 wall that is hardly recognizable; the wall thickness varies between 0.75 and 1.05 m. On the uphill side, the area is covered with rubble. In the NW, the beginning of a gate with the beam channel has been preserved.