Construction of the castle 1569 (≈ 1569)
Edited by François de Theuilly.
1789-1799
Acquisition during the Revolution
Acquisition during the Revolution 1789-1799 (≈ 1794)
Purchased by Antoine Schneider, royal notary.
1805
Birth of Eugene Schneider
Birth of Eugene Schneider 1805 (≈ 1805)
Son of Antoine Schneider, born at the castle.
6 juillet 1990
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 6 juillet 1990 (≈ 1990)
Fronts, roofs and dovecote protected.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Fronts and roofs of the castle; dovecoier (Case 2-11): entry by order of 6 July 1990
Key figures
François de Theuilly - Lord and sponsor
The castle was built in 1569.
Antoine Schneider - Acquirer during the Revolution
Mayor of Dieuze and royal notary.
Eugène Schneider - Personality born in the castle
Son of Antoine, born in 1805.
Origin and history
Bidestroff Castle is an iconic building located in the municipality of Bidestroff, Moselle, in the Grand Est region. Built in 1569 by the Lord François de Theuilly, it embodies Renaissance defensive architecture with its two circular towers with cannon guns at their base. This castle, typical of the seigneurial residences of the time, reflects the political and military tensions of the 16th century in Lorraine, a region then marked by border conflicts and nobiliary rivalries.
During the French Revolution, the castle changed hands and was acquired by Antoine Schneider, an influential local figure: mayor of Dieuze, royal notary and member of the Meurthe General Council. He saw his son, Eugene Schneider, born there in 1805, thus linking the history of the monument to that of a family that played a role in industry and regional politics in the 19th century. The facades, roofs and dovecote of the castle are finally protected as historical monuments by a decree of 6 July 1990, recognizing their heritage value.
Architecturally, the castle is distinguished by its defensive elements, such as the cannons, while integrating residential features characteristic of the aristocratic houses of the Renaissance. His dovecote, often a symbol of seigneurial privilege, emphasized the social status of his successive owners. Today, it bears witness to both the late medieval heritage and the social transformations generated by the Revolution, while remaining a major historical landmark in the Mosellan landscape.
