Location: 5 Rue du Château, Wangengbourg- Engenthal, Bas- Rhin department Map
Château de Wangenbourg is situated just outside of a small French town of Wangengbourg- Engenthal in Bas- Rhin department in France. Château de Wangenbourg.is one of the largest and most impressive medieval citadel in the country. Unlike other castles of its size and importance it wasn't renovated and it kept its original charm and appearance. Château de Wangenbourg stands on a rocky promontory surrounded by the woods. It was built in the 13th century by Lords of Wangenbourg on a site of an older castle. This aristocratic family hit the hard times and they lost the possession of the castle, unable to maintain its structure.
In 1504 Emperor Maximilian I of the Holy Roman Empire took possession of Château de Wangenbourg and in 1516 it was handed over to the Archbishop of Strasbourg. Nevertheless, the descendants of Lords of Wangenbourg, Gorg and Hartmann were allowed to stay in the castle. This arrangement didn't long for too long. From 1578 Archbishop of Strasbourg and Lords of Wangerbourg went into a bitter despite over ownership of the castle. Lords of Wangerbourg were expelled, but later they re- established their rights. In 1680 Château de Wangenbourg was captured by the French troops who used medieval citadel primary as barracks. After they abandoned the citadel in the early 18th century it fell into disrepair.
Renovation and historical restoration of the ruins began in the early 20th century and continued until 1931. Château de Wangenbourg was added to the list of historical monuments in 1898 by the French Ministry of Culture. Today it is privately owned, but it is open to the public. Despite centuries of neglect much of Château de Wangenbourg has been preserved.
The vast polygonal enclosure remains
as well as the bases of the walls of the buildings inside the
enclosure (housing and common areas).
The ruins of the castle
have been classified as historical monuments since December 6, 1898.