Who built Meywihr castle?

Founded initially by Murbach Abbey in the 10th century, it was occupied by the counts of Ferrette, then became the possession of the lords of Ribeaupierre after 1291.

Why are only ruins left?

The castle was besieged around 1279 and lay in ruins from the 13th century onward, never to be rebuilt.

When were the remains excavated?

Excavations carried out in 1959 uncovered the keep foundations and improved understanding of the site's architecture.

Château de Meywihr

Meywihr Castle

Ammerschwihr

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Ammerschwihr

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Open within 20 km

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Château de Meywihr stands in Ammerschwihr (Haut-Rhin), in the Grand Est region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 10th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

The castle of Meywihr sits on a circular fortified mound in the Weiss valley in Alsace. Founded in the 10th century and fought over by the Abbey of Murbach and local dynasties, it reached its height in the late Romanesque period before falling into ruin in the 13th century. Today, its remains consist of a partially excavated square keep whose stonework in sandstone and granite reveals the skill of its medieval builders.

What to know

Excavations in 1959 uncovered a keep foundation 8 metres square whose ashlar masonry dates the construction to the late 12th century.
The site forms a mound 66 metres in diameter surrounded by a moat, a defensive structure typical of the early Middle Ages.
The walls, more than 2 metres thick, combine sandstone, limestone and granite rubble in regular masonry.
The remains are freely accessible but physical effort to reach the mound from the road depends on ground conditions.

Where this château is

Ammerschwihr · Haut-Rhin · Grand Est

Map of the area around Château de Meywihr

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Ammerschwihr, Haut-Rhin

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00085324
Period of construction: 10th century

Itineraries

Frequently asked

Who built Meywihr castle?: Founded initially by Murbach Abbey in the 10th century, it was occupied by the counts of Ferrette, then became the possession of the lords of Ribeaupierre after 1291.
Why are only ruins left?: The castle was besieged around 1279 and lay in ruins from the 13th century onward, never to be rebuilt.
When were the remains excavated?: Excavations carried out in 1959 uncovered the keep foundations and improved understanding of the site's architecture.