The rock of Säben above Klausen was the bishops' seat before Brixen, and its castle commands the narrows of the Eisack where the bishop takes his toll.
Its keepers, of the Völs family, are the church's burgraves from 1155. They are ministeriales who in 1255 will fight the bishop and build Branzoll castle at the foot of his rock.
Who he is
- Name
- not pinned (the lords of Säben, of the Völs family, are named burgraves in 1155; Henry and Burchard of Säben are the bishop's ministeriales in 1255)
- Title
- Burgraves of the church of Brixen at Säben
- Since
- by 1155
- Born
- not pinned
- Family
- A branch of the lords of Völs.
- Confidence
- low
de.wikipedia Burg Branzoll.
Overlord
The bishop of Brixen.
What it holds
- The burgraviate of Säben castle above Klausen
How it was acquired
Ministerial office.
Allies and rivals
The bishop of Brixen (their lord, later their opponent).
How things stand that morning
Burgraves of Säben for the bishop; names not pinned.
Wealth
Office fiefs; the Klausen narrows.
Military
Säben castle. No figures.
Places of note
- Säben: The rock and castle above Klausen
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: Two dated mentions only (1155, 1255).
On the map: A disc round the rock.
Primary sources for Brixen
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- Charter book of the bishops of Trent (compiled 1207 to 1218; documents from the 11th century onward; edited 1852). The cartulary of the prince-bishops of Trent. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.