Château de Bilstein, Medieval castle ruin in Riquewihr, France
The Château de Bilstein is a castle ruin in Riquewihr perched on a rocky ridge at approximately 700 meters elevation. The structure features thick stone walls, a square tower, and defensive fortifications constructed from varied materials including sandstone and granite blocks.
The fortress was first documented in 1217 under the control of the Horbourg family and changed hands when it was sold to Ulrich of Württemberg in 1324. These ownership shifts reflected the complex political dynamics of the medieval Alsace region.
The castle held religious importance for the surrounding community, as a venerated image of the Virgin Mary was housed here before being moved to Riquewihr's church in the late 1300s. This spiritual connection shaped how people viewed the fortress as more than just a military stronghold.
The ruins are reached via the GR5 hiking trail, which requires climbing to the elevated ridge location. A pointed arch entrance in the upper section provides the main access point to explore the remains.
The fortress walls display a striking mix of construction materials, including sandstone with embossed joints, granite blocks, and fragments of tile worked into the structure. This variety hints at different building phases and the use of whatever materials were available over the centuries.
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