Haut Ribeaupierre Castle (or Altenkastel)

Perched at 645 meters above sea level, in the shadow of the Taennchel and overlooking Ribeauvillé, Haut-Ribeaupierre, originally called Altenkastel or Altencastel in reference to a Roman fortress, is a medieval castle built in the 12th century. Commissioned by the lords of Rapoltstein (Ribeaupierre), it was intended to strengthen the protection of Saint-Ulrich castle. The site perfectly illustrates the architectural choices of builders from that era. The first written mention of Altenkastel dates back to 1254.

The castle's architecture reveals remarkable defensive features. In the 13th century, a round tower with a protective wall was erected to the north, the side exposed to attacks, serving as a rampart for the main residence arranged in a row behind it. A bailey, equipped with a vaulted cistern, extends to the south. The cistern, circular in plan and vaulted with crossed ribs, is an exceptional remnant. To the north, a series of ditches reinforce the defense, where shards from the Bronze Age and Hallstatt period have been found. To the east, a curtain wall is equipped with a wall walk. The castle entrance was redesigned in the 15th century, incorporating a system of drawbridges and a circular spring-loaded gun port.

Haut-Ribeaupierre played a notable historical role. In 1288, Anselme de Ribeaupierre was its knight, then a division in 1298 linked it to Ribeauvillé and Zellenberg. A 1341 document confirms the identification of Haut-Ribeaupierre as Altenkastel. During the Hundred Years' War, the castle served as a prison for the English knight John Arleston from 1384 to 1387. In June 1387, Bruno de Ribeaupierre imprisoned Jews accused of poisoning a well. In 1477, he held Philippe de Croy, Count of Chimay and ally of Charles the Bold, prisoner after the Battle of Nancy. Later, the son of Guillaume I of Ribeaupierre was also imprisoned there for his excesses.

Abandoned from the 16th century, the castle is currently undergoing renovation. Although public access is prohibited, it can be admired from its entrance. The marked hiking trail "Circuit of the Three Castles," following the GR5, allows access on foot from Place de la République or the Lutzelbach parking lot in Ribeauvillé, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes.