Château de Vaumarcus, Castle in Vaumarcus, canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Château de Vaumarcus is a medieval castle built on a rocky outcrop at the edge of Lake Neuchâtel, in the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. The building is classified as a class B Swiss cultural property of regional significance and shows several phases of construction, visible in its uneven, tall profile.
The castle was originally held by the Vaumarcus family, who sold it in 1308 to Count Rollin of Neuchâtel due to financial difficulties. After Swiss forces burned it following the battle of Grandson in 1476, it passed through several hands, including the Bonstetten and Büren families.
The castle sits in the middle of a wine-growing area along the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, and this connection to the land is still felt today. Local wines from the region can be tasted or explored during a visit.
The castle is not open for public tours or visits and is rented out for private events, seminars, and office use. Those who want to see the exterior can explore the area on foot from the village of Vaumarcus.
The original entrance to the castle was more than 23 feet (7 meters) above ground level and could only be reached by a removable wooden stairway that was taken away in times of danger. This arrangement shows how much the inhabitants feared attack and how far they went to protect themselves.
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