The Robber Barons of Matsch

The feudal landowners of Matsch are a chapter all of their own in the history of the valley – and a fascinating chapter it is too. They held responsibility for the security and independence of the area as early as 1100, when the first castle was built on the enormous castle hill at the entrance to the valley, and their assets reached to Graubünden, through the Veltlin Valley and on to Lake Como.

Blue-blooded robber barons

Around 1160 they were given the advowson over the Marienberg Abbey. Due to their abuse of these rights, the grandsons of the first bailiffs came into conflict with the Bishop of Chur, which culminated in the murder of the abbot of Marienberg by the hands of the Matsch robber barons. This, together with bloody family feuds, brought the Matsch bailiffs to infamy. The “Golgabichl” at the entrance to the valley was used as an execution site, and the parish house at the entrance to the village served as a court house. Although their line died out in 1504 with the death of Gaudenz, the special political status with an independent court lived on until 1825.

Last traces

After lengthy dispute, the possessions of the Matsch bailiffs, including Churburg Castle in Schluderns, finally went to the Styrian knights of Trapp. The Ober- and Untermatsch fortresses lay neglected from the 15th century onwards, and have now fallen into ruin – the only visible traces of the once dreaded robber barons of Matsch.