Château de Greifenstein

Saverne, France

The Château de Greifenstein is a ruined castle in the commune of Saverne. The Grand-Greifenstein was, without doubt, founded in the first half of the 12th century by the knight Meribodo de Greifenstein who had close links to the Ochenstein family. The Petit-Greifenstein dates from the end of the 13th century or start of the 14th century.

Visitors can distinguish two castles separated by a large ditch. The older part has the largest keep in Alsace with 13 metres a side. A renovated tower stands between the two keeps at the centre of the site. It was probably part of Grand-Greifenstein. From the terrace there is an unimpeded view of Saverne, the Château du Haut-Barr, the Château du Grand-Geroldseck, the valley of the Zorn and the Saint-Vit chapel.

To reach the castle, leave Saverne on the D132 road towards Lutzelbourg and turn right towards the Ramsthal lake. Then follow the Club Vosgien path signposted by a blue rectangle.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Saverne, France
See all sites in Saverne

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Vincent Schleiffer (14 months ago)
A small ruin lost in the forest on the heights of Saverne, you can also go to see the cave of Saint Vit which is very pretty, it makes for a nice walk.
Bluehorse John (2 years ago)
Ruins of a medieval castle unfortunately left abandoned by the town of Saverne, becoming almost inaccessible over the years. Too bad, the place is magical.
Tyra Moonlight (2 years ago)
I went there more than 3 years ago, and the place was accessible and visitable. Unfortunately, now that I've returned, this is no longer the case, but there is a sign that warns only at the end of the route. I hope they manage to restore everything anyway. Because there is a beautiful view from the tower.
Mark Deraeve (4 years ago)
The monument is in a bad state. Wooden staircase is missing 2 steps and I am sure that there will come more. nice view on top of the tower if you dare to ascend the stairs.
Sébastien offner (4 years ago)
The good the bad the weird
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Dryburgh Abbey

Dryburgh Abbey on the banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders was founded in 1150 in an agreement between Hugh de Morville, Constable of Scotland, and the Premonstratensian canons regular from Alnwick Abbey in Northumberland. The arrival of the canons along with their first abbot, Roger, took place in 1152.

It was burned by English troops in 1322, after which it was restored only to be again burned by Richard II in 1385, but it flourished in the fifteenth century. It was finally destroyed in 1544, briefly surviving until the Scottish Reformation, when it was given to the Earl of Mar by James VI of Scotland. It is now a designated scheduled monument and the surrounding landscape is included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.

David Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan bought the land in 1786. Sir Walter Scott and Douglas Haig are buried in its grounds.