Salenegg Castle (Maienfeld)

The stately residence of Salenegg is located outside the walls of Maienfeld, nestled among the vineyards. Vespasian von Salis and his wife Anna von Schauenstein acquired the Prestenegg area in 1594. After renovating it, they gave it the name Salenegg. The salon, which features the coats of arms of the Three Leagues and forty Grisons families as its central motif, dates back to the construction of the southeast wing, undertaken by Anton von Molina, Vespasian von Salis' son-in-law. In 1654, Johann von Moos, also known as Gugelberg, bought Salenegg Castle. It has remained in the family's possession to this day.

Many enlargements took place in the 17th and 18th centuries, necessitating a man with a true architectural sense like Commissioner Odysseus (1756-1820). He alone could bring some uniformity to the architecture that had evolved over the centuries. This unification is visible both in the building's floor plan and in its magnificent facade. The work took place between 1782 and 1784. The massive main body was extended. Since 1754, it had been flanked by a tower. Pilasters and two tiers with weakly embossed relief give the facade a symmetrical order and enrich everything as a play of forms. The economy of the plastic of the tiers already hints at the aesthetics of new Classicism.

The plans by Sigmund Hilbi, presumably the same person who worked in Dornbirn under the name Sigismund Hilbe, furthermore provided for a primitive classical ornamentation, which practically only shines through in the cap-covered stair tower. The charm of Rococo intensified; liberties were taken with the plans, thus blurring the clear and geometric arrangements celebrated by original Classicism.

In the central upper room, a stair tower connects two long and clear corridors, which provide access to the rooms on the first and second floors. In the so-called Flower Hall on the second floor, visitors immerse themselves in the deep universe of Rococo. The central main motif of the stucco ceiling, in the heart of the room, is adorned with a stucco representation of Maienfeld; the corners show a village view and the surrounding castles.
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The castle is privately owned. Further information at: www.schloss-salenegg.ch