Travel
Tschanüff
The Castle that survived the chicken war
30/11/2018
A few years ago, it would be unimaginable for me to think that a castle built in 1256 would be still standing and I will be walking through its remnants and touching the stones. The history tells that the castle was strategically founded on the feudal land. It was highly important point, because the castle's position was grounded at the spot where three valleys crossed its ways - narrowed and widened to ensure that no enemy could pass , namely Inn, Seraplana - Martinsbruck and Ramosch. However, it solid structure was used not only to keep the lands save from ferocious enemies, but also to fight feudal rivals, one of which was for example "Querra da la Giallinas" or the "war of chickens".
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The ruins have survived several heirs and wars, and I found this sight by driving from Tyrol in Austria to visit Scuol in Switzerland. The drive is to the municipality of Ramosch (now Valsot) of the Canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. It lasts only about 1 hour, but on the way, you pass a magnificent natural scenery and if you look up you will see the ruins of the castle.
In 1475, a sudden attack was launched by the Austrian governors of Nauders and Schlandersberg into Lower Engadine for the simple reason that Engadin people did not, as tradition required, give them the carnival chickens. After a severe battle the Austrians were seized and had to flee. The ruins have, of course, witnessed more wars and rivals since then, and the way we see it now, it decorates a beautiful scenery, and also being renovated.
In 1475, a sudden attack was launched by the Austrian governors of Nauders and Schlandersberg into Lower Engadine for the simple reason that Engadin people did not, as tradition required, give them the carnival chickens. After a severe battle the Austrians were seized and had to flee. The ruins have, of course, witnessed more wars and rivals since then, and the way we see it now, it decorates a beautiful scenery, and also being renovated.
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We could walk all the way into the ruins, and enjoy the scenery around. On the top of the hill where we parked there was a cute bench and we had lunch there. Although if you are up to it, you can easily find a scenic spot sit on the ground. The day when we were there was hot and the kids were anxious to get moving to the next stop - Scuol .
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Being at the spot were you can touch the history that goes all the way back to the Middle Ages is magic and significant - how it would be possible that humans start a war because of chickens.
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