Gestelnburg Castle (Ruin) (Niedergesteln)

The first documented mention of Gestelnburg dates back to 1235. It was built by the Lords of Turn, a noble family of feudal Valais who owned extensive lands. In 1294, they became embroiled in disputes with Bishop Boniface of Challant, during which the village of Visp was plundered. The conflicts led to Pierre V of Turn having to recognize the sovereignty of Savoy in 1356. However, the fighting continued, fueled by the resistance of the communities against the feudal families. Around 1366, the bishop and the communities devastated the possessions of the Turn family and burned down numerous houses. A siege of the castle the following year was unsuccessful. After the assassination of Bishop Guichard in 1375 by Antoine of Turn, the war escalated again. Antoine of Turn fled to the court of Savoy and sold the castle, which was soon resold to Bishop Eduard of Savoy. Despite attempts to secure the fortress, Gestelnburg was finally conquered and destroyed in 1384 during the war between Amadeus VII and the communities, after Bishop Eduard had been expelled.

The Gestelnburg ruin is located at an altitude of approximately 666 meters above sea level in Niedergesteln, west of Raron in the canton of Valais, Switzerland.