Location: Haegen, Bas- Rhin department Map
The Château du Grand-Geroldseck is a ruined medieval fortified castle located in the French commune of Haegen, in the department of Bas-Rhin. It has been classified as a historical monument since December 1898.
Château du Grand-Geroldseck is a ruined medieval citadel on the outskirts of town of Haegen in the Bas- Rhin department in Alsace, France. It was added to the list of historic monuments in 1898 by French Ministry of Culture. Château du Grand-Geroldseck was built in the 12th century by the lords of Geroldseck. It was further increased in size and complexity between 13th and 15th century. Today much of Château du Grand-Geroldseck lies in ruins overgrown by vegetation. You would need some stamina and physical prowess to reach all corners of Château du Grand-Geroldseck. The most distinguishable feature of the castle is its dungeon tower. Parts of the structure have collapsed after it was struck by a lighting in 1718, but it is still impressive with its walls that measure a thickness of 3 feet. The cellars of the Lord's residence is still visible today.
It is one of the oldest castles in the Vosges
mountains, founded at the beginning of the 12th century by the Sires of
Geroldseck, solicitors of the abbey of Marmoutier, to ensure the
protection of their territories. It constitutes a fine set of stately
homes. Built on a platform, it combines residential and defense
functions. It was greatly altered in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries.
In 1285, Alice de Louppy-le-Château was in Chauvency-le-Château
during the tournament celebrations, described by the trouvère Jacques
Bretel. She was the wife of Waleran de Geroldseck, killed in 1289 with
Emich de Linange, in the Black Forest.
From Saverne, take the D 171 to the Haut-Barr car park, then a marked trail with the red Saint-André cross.
The square keep, isolated in the enclosure, in stones
with bosses with walls three meters thick, the cellars of the large
stately home and the barbican are still visible.
The main tower
is dated around 1200 and was built later; the oldest parts of the castle
being dated from the 12th century.
In 1285, Alice de Louppy-le-Château was in Chauvency-le-Château during the tournament celebrations, described by the finder Jacques Bretel. She was the wife of Waleran of Geroldseck, killed in 1289 with Emich of Linange, in the Black Forest. The coats of arms of these families are described in the Armorial du Tournoi de Chauvency.