Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Preisch Castle, originally named Château fort Sainte-Madeleine, has its origins in the 12th century with the construction of a first feudal building by Albert de Pris in 1122. The remains of this era include the bases of four towers and moat. The present castle, dating from the early seventeenth century, was built for Marguerite de Mérod-Houffalize and Conrad de Soetern, whose monograms (C S M) still adorn the facade. This house body replaces a previous castle destroyed in 1680, having belonged to noble families such as the Preisch, the Ottanges, or the Merodes.

In the 18th century, François Lasalle altered the castle by re-tracing the bays and adding a chapel of Sainte-Madeleine, while in the 19th century, Jacques de Milleret (owner from 1812 to 1832) built an English park and built the entrance pavilions. The estate, surrounded by a 7 km Napoleonic wall, then includes agricultural infrastructures (moulin, brewery, distillery) and extends to the Luxembourg border. The chapel, rebuilt between 1862 and 1865 by architect Jacquemin, houses a carved decoration and stained glass windows of the school of Metz.

The castle has been listed as a historical monument since 1986 for its medieval elements and facades, while the chapel and a seigneurial cross are classified in 1995. Today, the 50 hectare estate, maintained by sheep, welcomes visitors and golfers. Its golf course, designed by William Amick and Tom Dewar, extends over 107 hectares and uses Napoleonic walls as a fence. The site remains linked to local history, especially through Mother Marie-Eugenia of Jesus, canonized in 2007, who spent his childhood there.

The outbuildings, dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, include a dovecote, barns, and a mill renovated in 1878. The castle thus illustrates the architectural and social evolution of Lorraine, from feudal lords to modern aristocratic families, while maintaining its central role in the hamlet of Basse-Rentgen.

Future

Currently, 50 hectares remain around Preisch Castle, maintained by the Hampshire sheep and made available to visitors, walkers and picnicrs.

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