Malans

Malans is a commune of the canton of Grisons, in the Landquart region. The village centre, together with Bothmar Castle and its outbuildings and park, are recognised as Swiss cultural properties of national significance. This well-preserved winegrowers' village owes its character to its 17th-century burgher houses.

Above the village, Bothmar Castle follows a right-angled plan: its central wing dates from the 16th century, its wings and tower from the 18th century, and its interior is late baroque. To the west, against the building, extends a French-style baroque garden considered the best preserved in Switzerland. North of the village stands the ruin of Wynegg.

The Reformed church, built in the Gothic period in 1469, received in 1773, when its porch and galleries were added, vaults covered in rococo stuccowork. The town hall keeps a panelled council room of 1685 and a tiled corner stove made by David Pfau in 1690. Built around a courtyard during the 17th century, the Planta house brings together a dwelling and farm and outbuildings whose interior fittings — stoves, panelling, stuccowork — have remained rich.

Why this place is remarkable

What sets Malans apart is the density of its 17th- and 18th-century heritage packed into so small an area: the town hall keeps its panelled council room of 1685 and its 1690 stove, the church its 1773 rococo stuccowork, and Bothmar Castle a French-style baroque garden held to be the best preserved in Switzerland.

History and origin

The Reformed church dates from the Gothic period, with a construction dated 1469; its porch and galleries, added in 1773, gave its vaults a covering of rococo stuccowork. Bothmar Castle has a central wing from the 16th century, completed by wings and a tower in the 18th century. The Planta house, with its farm and outbuildings around a courtyard, also dates from the 17th century.