I saved you a castle to end this week in style, with all the events taking place everywhere in Alsace this Sunday, May 1st. Direction the Château du Landsberg, on the heights of Barr. The castle was erected between 1197 and 1200 by Conrad de Landsberg to reinforce the Abbeys of Hohenbourg, the current Mont Sainte-Odile, that of Niedermunster and Andlau, and to serve as a refuge in case of danger at the castle of Niedernai. I would like to point out right away that Herrade, known as Landsberg, the nun who is said to have written the Garden of Delights at Sainte-Odile, the Hortus Deliciarum, has no proven link with the family or the castle of Landsberg.
Sir, there are the books and writings of historians. Short. This fortified castle is a high castle with a square keep and a magnificent Romanesque palace. You will notice a remarkable bay window on the facade. In the 13th century, two houses with flanking towers were built at the front of the castle. The castle was remodeled in the 15th century with a curtain wall fitted out for firearms. But two centuries later, it’s the end.
The destruction of the castle is attributed to Swedish troops in 1632, during the 30 years war. The ruin was classified as a Historic Monument in 1965. But for many years, an association has ensured its conservation. You can still admire the beautiful twin Romanesque windows of the palace and the oriel of the castle chapel, which give a great elegance to the whole.
This Sunday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the association “Les Amis du Landsberg” will offer you guided tours, all the information to be found on the Alsace Terre de Chateaux website.