Château de Greifenstein
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Grand_et_Petit-Greifenstein.jpg/250px-Grand_et_Petit-Greifenstein.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Petit-Greifenstein.jpg/220px-Petit-Greifenstein.jpg)
The Château de Greifenstein is a ruined castle in the commune of Saverne in the Bas-Rhin département of France. Property of the state, it has been listed since 1898 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.[1]
History
[edit]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.
Description
[edit]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.
Access
[edit]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.
External links
[edit]- Base Mérimée: PA00084951, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)
References
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- ^ Base Mérimée: Château fort, château du Griffon ou de Greifenstein, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)
48°44′9″N 7°20′3″E / 48.73583°N 7.33417°E