Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Hayes, located in the commune of Hayes en Moselle (Great East region), finds its origins in a first building destroyed in 1367, then rebuilt around 1576. From that time there were two towers surrounding the commons on the road. The current house, of rectangular shape, was erected in two phases: the main body dates back to the first half of the seventeenth century, while the lower wings, commons and stairway were added in the first quarter of the eighteenth century.

A plan of 1752 attests to the existence of a French garden, structured by terrace walls, round towers and a dome covered cooler. These elements, as well as the house, wings and staircase of honour, were included in the inventory of historical monuments by order of 18 November 2004. The estate also preserves a courtyard with access ramp for horses, vestige of practical facilities related to its historical use.

The castle illustrates the architectural evolution of seigneurial residences in Lorraine, moving from a medieval fortress to a residence of classical pleasure. The remains of the 16th century, like the towers, coexist with the Baroque additions of the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting the social and aesthetic transformations of the period. The inscription of the ensemble (building and gardens) underlines its heritage importance in the Moselle department.

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