Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Bucheneck Castle, located in Soultz-Haut-Rhin in the Upper Rhine, is mentioned for the first time in 1251. Originally owned by the Soultz family, it was donated in 1254 in Oblate fief to the bishop of Strasbourg in exchange for the city's toll. This castle then became the residence of the episcopal baili, undergoing transformations in the 14th and 16th centuries, including the addition of a staircase turret. After being sold as a national property during the Revolution, it served as a factory in the 19th century before being bought by the city in 1976.

Ranked a historic monument in 1984 for its facades, roofs and vestiges of enclosure, the castle was restored under the direction of Louis Wiederkehr. Since 1990, it has housed the municipal museum, presenting archaeological collections, a model of the city, and rooms dedicated to the Order of Malta, the local Jewish community, or the family of Heeckeren-d-Anthès. The museum, open seasonally, also offers guided tours and participates in cultural networks such as the Museums Pass.

The architecture of Bucheneck combines 13th century elements, such as the rectangular house, with additions from the 16th, 18th and 19th centuries. Its stair turret and its walls, partially preserved, testify to its evolution between medieval fortress, seigneurial residence and industrial site. Today, it is a communal property, a place of memory for local and regional history, while being an example of successful heritage rehabilitation.

Future

Bucheneck Castle will become the municipal historic museum, open to the public in September 1990.

The museum features an archaeological section, a model of the city, rooms dedicated to the Order of Malta, the Jewish community of Soultz, the family of Heeckeren-d'Anthès, illustrator Robert Beltz, etc.

External links