Bischofstein Castle, Medieval castle ruin near Sissach, Switzerland.
Bischofstein Castle is a medieval ruin in Switzerland situated on Chienberg mountain at about 700 meters elevation. The remains include stone walls, a tower, residential palace sections, and gate buildings that visitors can examine today.
The castle was built around 1250 by the Lords of Eptingen after acquiring land from the Itkon family. A major earthquake in 1356 caused severe damage that shaped the ruins visible today.
The ruins show how medieval residents built their homes on high ground for protection and control of the valley below. Visitors can observe the practical building methods and materials people relied on during that era.
The ruins are accessible by marked hiking trails from the village of Sissach and the site is well-connected by local footpaths. Sturdy shoes are recommended since the climb to the mountain can be steep and uneven.
Archaeological digs from 1914 to 1938 uncovered the complete structure and revealed details about how people built medieval strongholds. These excavations allow visitors to understand the construction techniques that builders used centuries ago.
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