Château Saint-Léon, Eguisheim, France

Château Saint-Léon is a former castle in the center of Eguisheim. The castle was built by the Counts of Eguisheim and taken over by the Bishop of Strasbourg during the 13th century. An episcopal bailiff occupied it until the French Revolution (1789). The enceinte was surrounded by a moat which was filled in by the 18th century. Houses built in the castle courtyard and against its walls were destroyed by a fire in 1877 which also damaged the castle - it was left in runs for many years.

In 1885, it was bought by the Bishop of Strasbourg through the mediation of a M. Stumpf who wanted to build a chapel dedicated to Saint Leo. The remains of the keep were destroyed and the chapel built in its place, the works being carried out by the architect of historic monuments, Charles Winkler. The chapel was completed in 1895. Winkler also restored the residence at the south of the site which had been rebuilt, with mullioned windows in the 16th century. He added a staircase turret and a neo-Renaissance balcony.

References:

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User Reviews

Linh Nguyen (3 years ago)
Couldn't get inside because it's closing time in a year i guess. But looking from outside it's totally really beautiful like in a movie of Beauty and the beast. Wish i could come back here when it opens.

Svetlomir Damyanov (4 years ago)
The whole city of Eguisheim is a must see if ever think to visit Colmar or something in the region. It is so calm and beautiful. Not really sure which city is better but you will not regret being here. The inner /old/ town is so small. It takes no time to go through every street and "feel the magic"

Mandy my PHN (4 years ago)
It's such a beautiful village. One of the best villages and it is a must see place in the Grand Est region of France.

Beth Adams (CrazyUS) (6 years ago)
The more you look at this great little church, the more you see. We visited and early spring and noticed a bunch of people looking at the roof. We assumed they were looking at the roof’s intricate tile & stunning work. They were looking at large bird’s nest near the church’s Steeple. The inside of the church is also beautiful. The stain glass windows are lovely. And the floor and ceiling is really cool. We recommend a visit.

Michelle Hollaway (7 years ago)
This tiny church is absolutely stunning!

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

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