Château de Schœneck, Medieval rock castle in Dambach, France.
The Château de Schœneck is a medieval rock castle perched on a rocky ridge at approximately 380 meters in elevation. The structure comprises two main sections connected by a courtyard and defensive walls that once protected the fortress.
The fortress was built in the late 13th century to combat banditry in the region. French forces destroyed it in 1680 under the command of King Louis XIV.
The castle displays features from different periods that reveal how the site evolved over time. Visitors walking around can observe the contrast between older, more basic structures and later additions designed for military defense.
The ruins can be reached via a marked hiking trail starting from road D53 between Obersteinbach and Wineckerthal. Wear proper footwear as the path can be slippery, especially after rain.
Since 2000, a local archaeological team has been uncovering artifacts and hidden details beneath the rubble. Among their findings is a carved lintel from a gunport dated to 1676, offering clues about how the fortress was adapted for newer weapons.
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