Château de l'Engelbourg, Medieval castle ruins in Thann, France
Château de l'Engelbourg is a castle ruin on a hilltop overlooking the Thur Valley. The remaining defensive structures occupy a sizeable area at this elevation.
The castle was founded in 1224 to control regional tolls but changed hands several times. Louis XIV ordered its demolition in 1673.
The keep is called Tour des Sorcières and displays arrow slits and oval gunports from different construction periods. These features show how defenders adapted the stronghold to new weapons over time.
The site is open to the public and offers wide views over the valley, so sturdy footwear is advisable. The paths are uneven and sometimes steep, requiring a bit of effort to explore.
During demolition, a tower collapsed in an unusual way and left a circular opening now called l'Œil de la Sorcière. This odd hole remains one of the most visible features of the ruin today.
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