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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The château d'Héricourt, mentioned from the twelfth century, was a medieval fortress composed of several towers and imposing ramparts. Today, only the big tower (or tower of Spain) remains, witness to its original defensive architecture. The first detailed descriptions date back to 1561, when Ulrich VI of Württemberg took it, revealing a richly furnished building with artillery and abundant reserves.

In 1561, the castle was described as a strategic stronghold: four massive towers, thick walls, a ditch, a drawbridge and reinforced doors. Its interior housed fourteen luxuriously furnished rooms (silk beds, tapestries, silverware estimated at 5,000 francs), as well as a legendary cannon, the Bergère d'Héricourt, large enough for a man to stand there. There were 102 heads of household in the neighbouring town, surrounded by ramparts.

In the 17th century, the castle welcomed composer Johann Jakob Froberger (1663–67), hosted by Princess Sybilla of Württemberg. Ranked a historic monument in 1913, it illustrates the military and cultural heritage of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, although only its tower remains today.

Historical sources highlight its role in regional conflicts, especially during the wars of Religion. The archives also mention its economic importance, with sufficient grain and wine reserves to supply the seigneury, bringing together 584 families in the surrounding villages.

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