Château de Gerbéviller

The Château de Gerbéviller site has been occupied since at least the 12th century. The present buildings date from the 17th to 19th centuries, and include the chateau, a theater, a chapel, a pavilion and a unique water nymphaeum.

The present chateau was built by Camille de Lambertye-Gerbéviller during the reign of Louis XV (1710–1774). It was built sometime before 1750 by Germain Boffrand.

The Palatine Chapel, opposite the castle outside the domain, has changed considerably over the centuries. There are records of a chapel in 1050, when the house of Lorraine rebuilt part of the choir. Around 1326 Jen Wisse built a nave and the sepulchral chapel that forms today's choir. It holds the tombs of the lords of Gerbéviller. It was enlarged in the 15th century, and used as a parish church. The chapel was again enlarged in the 17th century. Christine Claude du Châtelet gave it to the Carmelites in 1618. The chapel and Carmelite convent were sold as national property during the Revolution.

The Marquis Ernest de Lambertye (1789-1862) redesigned the chapel almost entirely, thinking of offering it as an asylum for Pope Pius IX, who was in danger of being driven from his Papal States at the time of the unification of the Kingdom of Italy.

The chateau and chapel were badly damaged during World War I, but have been repaired. They have been protected under various designations since 1945, and since February 1996 have had an overall designation as a historical monument. The park of the chateau with its views over the valley of Mortagne has been a classified natural site since 1999.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Rue Carnot 13, Gerbéviller, France

Details

Founded: 18th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France