Burg Marmels

Useful Information

photography — Drawing by J. R. Rahn, 1893, from **Otto P. Clavadetscher** (1984): **Das Burgenbuch von Graubünden**. Public Domain.

Location:	7456 Surses. (46.5066168, 9.6273281)
Open:	No restrictions. [2024]
Fee:	free. [2024]
Classification:	Cave Castle
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	A=1710 m asl.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:	Ursina Jecklin-Tischhauser, Lotti Frascoli, Manuel Janosa (2021): Die Burg Marmels: Eine bündnerische Balmburg im Spiegel von Archäologie und Geschichte Schweizer Beiträge zur Kulturgeschichte und Archäologie des Mittelalters, Band 40, Heidelberg: Propylaeum, 2021. online DOI
Address:	Tourismus Savognin Bivio Albula AG, Stradung 42, 7460 Savognin, Tel: +41-81-659-16-16. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1160	knights of Marmels first mentioned as ministerialis, or unfree knights, in the service of the Freiherren of Tarasp.
1193	first written mention of the castle.
1550	castle last mentioned.

Description

The ruined Grottenburg Marmels is located above the Marmorera dam under an overhanging cliff face. This is not a karst cave, it is more like a huge shelter, but the castle was nevertheless completely under the overhanging rock. Today only a single tower, and the foundations of another building remains. Access is from the right side, through a crack between the rock wall and a huge block. The foundation of one wall of the castle and the four walls of the chapel, which were erected on top of this block, can be seen. Further on the foundations of the main castle building can be seen.

Access is via the hydroelectric power dam, at the two farm buildings up the green area and at the end of the green area left into the forest. A steep, narrow path at the foot of the rock face leads to the ruins. A safety rope could be attached to some metal rings in the wall, if necessary. Access requires a little easy climbing and is only recommended for experienced hikers. Access is not possible when the ground is wet, due to the risk of slipping. Its unclear how the castle was accessed when it was still in use, probably there were some wooden stairs and a railing, which are gone now. It must still have been extremely difficult, especially in winter when snow and ice hindered access. And considering that the people always had to carry loads of goods like food and water up to the castle.

The knights von Marmels were first mentioned in 1160 as ministerialis, or unfree knights, in the service of the Freiherren of Tarasp. As they were named after their castle, it most likely existed, but it definitely existed in 1193 when it was first mentioned. This document describes that Andreas von Marmels captured the Cardinal Legate Cintius for the Emperor and held him captured at the castle. The family was in the service of the Bishop of Chur. But over time they expanded their land and power, and became one of the foremost minor noble families in Rätien. Rudolf von Marmels sold the castle, along with the tower of Tinizong and the Burg Spliatsch, to his nephew Hans in 1550. But Hans had not enough money and went in arrears, so Rudolf bought the castle back. At this time the castle was in livable condition but was abandoned shortly after. In the early 17th century it had fallen into ruin and was finally destroyed by an earthquake in 1905.