Kropfenstein/Casti Grotta, Waltensburg

It is a grotto castle in a south-facing position that is difficult to access. Access is possible from the east via a narrow band of rock around a ledge. Today it has been widened and secured by railings. The beams of the former entrance are still visible. The castle is an elongated building wing, most of which is located under an overhanging rock screen. The interior of the building wing is divided by two transverse walls, the foundations of which are still preserved. A total of three storeys are recognizable. The eastern section of the building tract forms a narrow tube approx. 1.5 - 2 m wide and was probably only used for storage and defense. The actual living quarters are located in the wide western section. In the east section above the gate there is a square window and a shooting hatch. In the south wall there are several embrasure windows for lighting and square windows with openings of approx. 70 by 50 cm. 

On the second floor there is a rubble stone and two windows with side benches. It also contains a smoke outlet, an unidentifiable exit and an abort niche in the west wall. There is no direct documentary evidence of the castle. It is possible that the von Kropfenstein family of minor nobility, who lived in Luven (Maschieras), built or acquired Kropfenstein Castle around 1300 and called themselves after it, while a branch of this family continued to live in Luven. Kropfenstein was probably abandoned in the course of the 15th century.

(Text recorded by: Regiun Surselva)