Château du Grand-Geroldseck, Medieval castle ruins in Haegen, France.
Château du Grand-Geroldseck is a castle ruin featuring a square keep with thick stone walls, containing visible remains of residential spaces and storage areas. The preserved sections reveal the layout of a medieval fortified residence with distinct functional zones.
The castle was founded around 1120 by the Geroldseck family, who served as advocates of Marmoutier Abbey. The structure underwent several periods of modification and reinforcement over the following centuries.
The castle reflects early medieval building practices in the northern Vosges region, showing how construction evolved across different periods. Visitors can observe the layers of fortification development visible in the remaining stonework.
Access is via a marked trail from the Haut-Barr area, with a walk of around ten minutes to reach the ruins. The path is fairly steep, so sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness help make the visit comfortable.
The castle sits less than 500 meters from Petit-Geroldseck, a smaller sister castle, forming a rare twin-castle arrangement in the area. This unusual pairing shows how the Geroldseck family strategically monitored their territory.
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