Guardaval Castle (Ruin) (Madulain)

Guardaval Castle was built between 1237 and 1251 under Bishop Volkard von Neuburg. It served as a customs station and aimed to strengthen the episcopal power in the region. In the 14th century, the castle passed as a fief or pledge to the Lords of Planta, who originated from Zuoz. In 1359, the Bishop of Chur signed a document at Guardaval. Knight Thomas Planta was responsible for the castle's maintenance and had to make it available to the bishop for military purposes if needed. The Planta family was also involved in the founding of the League of God's House in 1367. Due to debts, Bishop Hartmann of Chur pledged Guardaval to the League of God's House in 1409, which acquired the castle by purchase in the late 15th century. Subsequently, the complex lost its original function and was likely abandoned before 1500. While it was largely intact but deserted around 1550, it was already described as a ruin in 1617.