Erguel Castle, Castle ruin near Sonvilier, Switzerland.
Erguel Castle is a medieval fortress ruin located on a hilltop near Sonvilier. The site centers on a round tower with walls roughly three meters thick, alongside the remains of residential structures that once housed the inhabitants.
The fortress was built before 1264 and served as a strategic base for the Lords of Erguel. Over time it passed to the Prince-Bishop of Basel and experienced occupation by foreign troops during regional conflicts.
The castle was a symbol of power for the Erguel family in the region for many generations. Today the ruins remind visitors of an era when such fortifications shaped the landscape and protected local communities.
Access to the ruins is reached via marked hiking trails departing from Sonvilier and open year-round. The location sits at some elevation, so sturdy walking shoes and time to explore the terrain are advisable.
The round tower has retained its original shape across the centuries despite the region experiencing repeated conflicts and upheavals. This makes it a rare example of an unchanged medieval structure in an area that saw significant military activity.
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