Marmels Castle (Ruin)

The construction of Marmels Castle is dated between 1135 and 1141. The castle itself was first mentioned in a document in 1192, when Andreas von Marmels held a cardinal legate captive. The Lords of Marmels, originally ministeriales of the Barons of Tarasp, expanded their possessions and influence in the service of the Bishop of Chur and rose to become one of the most respected families in Raetia. In addition to Marmels, they also owned Spliatsch Castle and the dominion of Riom. The castle remained in the possession of the Marmels family throughout its history, which is a unique feature. It was last mentioned in documents in 1550. The complex was probably abandoned at the end of the 14th or beginning of the 15th century. A fire at the beginning of the 14th century on the castle's plateaus may have contributed to its later abandonment. The palas, which still stood four stories high in 1893, reportedly collapsed during the 1905 earthquake according to oral tradition.

The Marmels ruin is located in the municipality of Marmorera in the Albula district, Canton Graubünden, Switzerland, at an altitude of approx. 1794 m above sea level.

The sparse remains of the Marmels ruin are accessible to visitors. A two-story chapel with light plaster is still standing and visible from afar. During excavations in 1987/88, numerous well-preserved finds, including animal bones, plant remains, pieces of wood, and a 14th-century parchment fragment, were discovered in a rock crevice behind the castle chapel.

• Spliatsch ruin (castle), approx. 1.3 km away
• Riom Castle (castle), approx. 12.0 km away
• Turraccia (Casaccia) ruin (castle), approx. 12.9 km away
• Casaricc (Vicosoprano) ruin (castle), approx. 16.8 km away