Château du Vieux-Windstein, Medieval rock castle near Windstein, France
Château du Vieux-Windstein is a fortified structure perched on a sandstone outcrop near Windstein, consisting of two distinct building complexes with chambers carved into the rock itself. The layout integrates the natural stone formation as a key defensive element.
The castle was built in 1147 by Frederick the One-Eyed, Duke of Alsace, serving as a strategic defensive installation. It was destroyed by artillery bombardment in 1676 and has remained in ruins since then.
The name Windstein refers to the distinctive rock formations that define the landscape around it. The way chambers were carved directly into the stone reveals how inhabitants adapted to their natural surroundings to create their fortifications.
The ruins are accessible via marked hiking trails from Windstein village, and visitors should wear sturdy footwear since some paths are steep and rocky. Guided tours are available to help explore the medieval structures and stone chambers more thoroughly.
The site contains a well that extends 41 meters (135 feet) deep, carved entirely into solid rock. This well demonstrates the extraordinary effort inhabitants invested to secure a water source at this elevated location.
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