Château de Herrenstein, Medieval castle ruins in Neuwiller-lès-Saverne, France
Château de Herrenstein sits on elevated terrain and shows remains of walls and stonework from different building periods. The structure reveals how the fortress was designed for defense and territorial control.
The fortress arose around 1200 under the Counts of Eguisheim-Dabo to protect the nearby abbey and surrounding villages. It was later destroyed when French troops demolished the fortifications in 1673.
The fortress was long a symbol of power between the bishops of Strasbourg and local noble families. The ruins show today how important this place was for controlling the region.
The site lies in the hills of Bas-Rhin and is best reached on foot from the village of Neuwiller-lès-Saverne. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and pathways can be steep.
The fortress was rebuilt in the 16th century by architect Daniel Specklin to protect it against artillery attacks. These modernizations show how castles had to adapt to new warfare technologies.
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