[1] During the High Middle Ages a fortified church with a ring wall and perhaps a tower was built near the current castle.

By the end of the 12th century, these fortifications were demolished and a new castle was built above formerly fortified plateau and the Church of St.

In 1209 Albert von Frickingen sold all his estates and villages as well as the castle above Ardez to the Bishop of Chur.

He and his son spent the remainder of the 16th century trying to get the Bishop of Chur to pay interest owed on the loan.

As the Three Leagues grew in power, they repeatedly denied the Bishop the right to appoint a vogt over Steinsberg.

In 1861 Emanuel von Planta-Wildenberg purchased the ruins and surrounding lands from the Bishop for 1000 Gulden.

The upper stories have window seats from the 14th century and were either added then, or they were part of the new construction or repair.