Château d'Engelbourg

Thann, France

Engelbourg Castle was built around 1224 by Count Frederick II of Ferette to guard the entrance to Thur Valley. It was severely damaged a few centuries later during the Thirty Years' War and destroyed on the orders of Louis XIV in 1673, when its strategic role was no longer valid.

The main tower broke into several sections.The main part fell on its side looking towards the town of Thann, and this is what we call the Witch's Eye, as it seems to stare at the roofs in the village and off into the horizon.

Today, it can be reached by a steep stairway in about 20 minutes or by a walk through the vineyards in about 40 minutes. It is worth making the effort as you will have a magnificent panorama over the valley, the collegiate church and the town of Thann.

References:

Visit Alsace

Address

Thann, France

See all sites in Thann

Details

Founded: c. 1224
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)

More Information

www.visit.alsace

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

St Theobald's Church (0,4 km)

St Martin's Church (34,9 km)
Basel Minster (46,7 km)
Dominican Church (34,9 km)
Château Saint-Léon (29,6 km)
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg (51,6 km)
Unterlinden Museum (35 km)
Basel Historical Museum (46,7 km)
Saint-Matthieu de Colmar (35 km)
St. George's Church (56,1 km)

User Reviews

Ruben Williams (2 years ago)
Get out Stretch your legs and see something. This is a nice little hike with some good views of the valley. Picnic and take a little time its iconic enough to make for a pleasant break from wine tasting without being too demanding and taking so much time. bring your camera.. get a few shots in.

Roy Hoenderboom (2 years ago)
Small hike with a beautiful view of Thann. The ruins of this castle are somewhat magical with the flipped tower. Plenty of info signs around the ruins to read more about it.

Floris van Hal (2 years ago)
Very short walk from thann rewards you with a great view and an interesting site. The tower from this old castle fell over when it was deconstructed. Somehow the bottom piece stayed intact. This is now the sorcerer's eye. Very much worth the walk.

Mendurim Rashiti (3 years ago)
Amazing view of the town?

Rafał Urbiński (7 years ago)
Beautiful and amazing view.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

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