Andlau Castle, the Sammezzano of France

Two majestic towers, visible from afar, tower over Mount Silberberg at an altitude of 451 meters. They are the pride of this castle overlooking the town of Andlau or Haut-Andlau, a municipality of 1,700 inhabitants in Alsace . This fortress, with its decidedly unique shape because it is built on a narrow ridge, has a history very similar to that of one of our castles.

The history of Andlau Castle

Built around 1264 by the Lords of Andlau, knights of the Holy Roman Empire of Germanic origin, the castle was relatively spared during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). It was one of approximately 450 castles built between the 12th and 14th centuries on the Alsatian slopes of the Vosges Mountains. Confiscated as national property during the French Revolution, it was sold in 1796 to a merchant who, starting in 1806, sold it off piecemeal amidst general indifference. In 1818, the Andlau family purchased it to save its remains. But this was not enough to save it from progressive deterioration. In 1998, a section of the wall collapsed, signaling the time had come for intervention.

This realization led to the creation, in 2000, of the "Friends of Andlau Castle" association. The association is currently carrying out painstaking work to save it from its current state of ruin. Similar to what happened in Italy with the famous Sammezzano Castle in Tuscany, which was saved by ordinary citizens.

The unusual shape of the castle

The imposing fortress, with its unusual polygonal shape—longer than it is wide—is flanked at each end by two circular towers, between which lies a bright residential hall with numerous Gothic-arched windows. The castle's granite blocks were quarried directly from the mountain, creating natural defenses with cliffs and a deep moat.

How to visit Andlau Castle

"Visiting the castle is entirely the responsibility of each individual," warn the Friends of Andlau Castle Association. "The ruins are fragile, so be careful where you step." To ensure everyone's safety, climbing the walls and moving stones is prohibited. The Association also organizes guided tours for groups, and in the summer, events and concerts are held. Part Urbex, part historic site, the French castle exudes mystery from every stone and could be the perfect setting for an upcoming Disney film.