Château de Greifenstein

The Château de Greifenstein is a ruined castle in the commune of Saverne in the Bas-Rhin département of France. Property of the state, it has been listed since 1898 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.[1]

Central tower, probably part of Grand-Greifenstein
Petit-Greifenstein

History

The Grand-Greifenstein was, without doubt, founded in the first half of the 12th century by the knight Meribodo de Greifenstein who had close links to the Ochenstein family. The Petit-Greifenstein dates from the end of the 13th century or start of the 14th century.

Description

Visitors can distinguish two castles separated by a large ditch. The older part has the largest keep in Alsace with 13 metres a side. A renovated tower stands between the two keeps at the centre of the site. It was probably part of Grand-Greifenstein. From the terrace there is an unimpeded view of Saverne, the Château du Haut-Barr, the Château du Grand-Geroldseck, the valley of the Zorn and the Saint-Vit chapel.

Access

To reach the castle, leave Saverne on the D132 road towards Lutzelbourg and turn right towards the Ramsthal lake. Then follow the Club Vosgien path signposted by a blue rectangle.

References
  1. Base Mérimée: Château fort, château du Griffon ou de Greifenstein, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)


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