Château de Lutzelbourg, Medieval fortress in Zorn Valley, France
Château de Lutzelbourg is a medieval castle ruin located on a rocky hilltop in the Zorn Valley, visible from great distances across the landscape. The site features a square tower as its main structure, with thick stone walls that show the solid construction methods of the period.
The fortress was founded in the 11th century by Pierre de Lutzelbourg as a stronghold to control the valley below. Early in the 12th century, a major exchange occurred when the founder traded the Priory of Saint-Quirin for full possession of the castle with Marmoutier Abbey.
The fortress takes its name from the noble family that built and defended it during the Middle Ages. Visitors can still see how the structure reflected the power and control of its lords over the surrounding valley.
The ruins can be reached on foot from Lutzelbourg village using a well-marked trail that is accessible throughout the year at no cost. The path is clear and straightforward, making it easy for visitors to explore the site independently without needing a guide.
In the 1800s, the ruins almost fell victim to industrial progress when railroad companies sought to use its stones for construction materials. A private collector purchased the site to protect it, ensuring the medieval stones remained in place rather than being dismantled.
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