Falkenstein Castle (Ruin) (Igis)

The ruin can be reached from the upper part of the village (point 640) via a narrow, very steep path in about 45 minutes. The path to the castle is not marked as such, but is easy to find with good map material. In the uppermost part, the path is secured with wire ropes. In wet conditions, visiting the castle is not recommended due to the risk of slipping.

The remaining walls indicate at least two construction phases. The older part includes the tower with a floor plan of approx. 12 by 8 m and a wall thickness of 1.9 m. Adjoining it is a rectangular palas of 12 by 13.5 m, partly in opus spicatum; a vertical wall joint indicates a later construction. No traces of internal structures are visible within the palas itself. On the north wall, there is a narrow embrasure with a vaulted niche and a stone bench, as well as a slop sink with a drain. In the western wall collapse, a door with beam holes is recognizable. Below the building, a curtain wall follows the edge of the rock. The entrance gate was probably in the east of the complex, but is buried by the debris of the palas.

The terrain of the lower, extensive outer bailey is surrounded by a wall that is barely recognizable; the wall thickness varies between 0.75 and 1.05 m. On the mountain side, the area is covered with rubble. In the NW, the remains of a gate with the beam channel are preserved.

Written records about the history of the castle are missing. In a document dated December 11, 1338, the castle is mentioned as Valkenstein, and in the "Buoch der vestinen" from 1410 as Falkenstain. From 1365–1389, Ulrich von Falkenstein is mentioned; whether he was a nobleman is unclear. In the Churwalden urbarium of 1508, a Falckenstainßwyß and a Falckenstain acker are mentioned. In the catalog of Bishop Johann VI. Flugi von Aspermont (1636–1661) from 1645, Falckenstein and Fackelenstein are mentioned consecutively, referring to the same castle; the name Fackelenstein is a later alteration of the original name. At the beginning of the 16th century, Kury Butyg von Facklenstain, residing in Zuttzurs (Zizers), adopted a coat of arms with two torches, even though he was not of noble origin; on September 27, 1518, he is documented as Chuerin Buttig von Zizers. A noble family named after the castle is therefore not verifiable. When the castle was abandoned is not known.