Towards the end of the 11th century, the Earls of Bolzano bid a stronghold to be built in the centre of the former “Cheller” (literally cellar) where “Gries” is to be seen in these days. This fortress was expected to counterbalance the influence from the neighbour city of Bolzano carried out by the bishops of Trento. The first record of the name Gries in offical documents was in the year 1185 but it did not replace the former “Cheller” until 200 years later.