[1] The Upper Castle in Zizers was built for Baron Simon von Salis (1646-1694) who was from the Tirano, Italy branch of the large and wealthy Salis family.

Simon was the Captain over the Valtellina and had spent years in mercenary service in Sicily.

When he built the castle in Zizers, the design was inspired by the architecture of Italian palaces.

[4] The castle is a square, massive building topped with a hipped roof.

The 18th century facade paintings cover the entire building and include trompe-l'œil columns, illusionary windows, elaborate window frames and stone walls.