While the upper castle is still relatively well preserved and has been restored, the lower castle has been reduced to its basic walls and is now used as a picnic area. An impressive steel staircase is installed at the keep. From the top, there is a panoramic view over the Parc Ela, the Surses valley and the Domleschg.
Story
Belfort was probably built before 1222 by the Barons of Vaz. Before that, the Vaz family had left their ancestral seat in Nivagl near Zorten and resided in Belfort. The Vaz family were known for their princely and ruthless behavior. This brought them into conflict with other feudal lords and the main seat of Belfort became the scene of military conflicts. The claim to power is clearly reflected in the massive complex.
The Swabian War marked the end of Belfort. The Grisons burned down the castle in 1499 in order to eliminate it as an Austrian stronghold.
Legend
The locals are better aware of the following legend than the actual story: A farmer from Surava was plowing in the field with his daughter. The two most beautiful oxen that he had harnessed must have caught the eye of the lord of the castle, because the mounted bailiff and his servants appeared in the field as if from nowhere. He arrogantly ordered the man to untie the valuable draft animals from the plough and lead them to the castle. The farmer's daughter also had to go to the castle to serve the knights.
Up there, as a maid, she was closely monitored. It hurt her greatly when she had to watch her father toiling in the fields down in Surava. When the farmers delivered their tenth to the castle in the autumn, she had a liberating idea: what if she burned the castle and the knights? At the knights' evening feast, the maid put her plan into action. She poured hot fat from the kitchen down the wooden stairs and into every conceivable crack. Everything was ablaze. Using the rope she had prepared, she slid down the outer wall and ran down the valley. Now Surava was free of the cruel bailiffs, who were helplessly burning to death.
Position
Belfort is located above Surava between Lenzerheide and Alvaneu on a piece of rock that slopes steeply on all sides. The castle can be reached in 10 to 45 minutes via a well-signposted path from the parking spaces on the road - depending on which path you choose and how much time you take to enjoy the view.
