Belfort Castle (Graubünden)

Belfort Castle is a ruined castle in the municipality of Brienz/Brinzauls of the Canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

History
The castle was built in two parts, an upper and a lower castle, on a rocky ridge east of Brienz/Brinzauls. It was probably built between 1228 and 1231 by the Lords of Vaz. The castle passed through a number of owners before ending under Austrian control. The lower castle was abandoned in the 13th century when the residents moved to the upper castle. In 1499, during the Swabian War the castle was stormed and burned.

Castle site
The upper castle is built around a central courtyard with a round cistern. Portions of the outer walls, the main tower, a residential wing and a gate house are still standing. The northern ruins were repaired and reinforced in 1935-36. The entire site was cleaned and repaired in 2002.