Château Saint-Léon

Château Saint-Léon is a fortified castle in Eguisheim with an octagonal floor plan, a central keep, and thick stone walls from the 13th century. The structure displays features of medieval military architecture and remains open to visitors today.

The fortress was founded around 1220 by the Counts of Eguisheim and later passed to the Bishop of Strasbourg. This transfer reflected political shifts in the region during the Middle Ages.

A neo-Romanesque chapel built in 1895 stands at the heart of the grounds, honoring Pope Leo IX who came from the local noble family. The structure shapes how visitors experience the courtyard today.

Visitors can access the grounds and interior spaces that are sometimes used for exhibitions and official events. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended since the terrain is uneven and you will walk through old stone structures.

A major fire in 1877 destroyed several houses in the castle courtyard and forced residents to reshape the medieval grounds significantly. This disaster permanently altered the character of the place and created the layout that exists today.

Location: Eguisheim

Inception: 1220

Address: place du Château-Saint-Léon

GPS coordinates: 48.04267,7.30607

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08