Initial fortification 860 (≈ 860)
Hatto, bishop of Verdun, strengthens the site.
1546
End of the monetary workshop
End of the monetary workshop 1546 (≈ 1546)
Stopping the strike by the bishops.
1636
Swedish fire
Swedish fire 1636 (≈ 1636)
Partial destruction during the war.
1918
Destruction in 1918
Destruction in 1918 1918 (≈ 1918)
Shaved castle during the First War.
1923-1928
Revival reconstruction
Revival reconstruction 1923-1928 (≈ 1926)
Project led by Henri Jacquelin.
1986
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1986 (≈ 1986)
Official protection by the French State.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs of buildings, vestiges of fortifications and Burgraves Hall (ca. 233B 181-183): inscription by order of 25 June 1986
Key figures
Hatto - Bishop of Verdun (IXth century)
Founder of the original fortification in 860.
Henri Jacquelin - Norman architect
Reconstructed the castle between 1923 and 1928.
Belle Skinner - American patron
Finances the reconstruction of the castle.
Origin and history
Hattonchâtel Castle was born in the 9th century, when Hatto, bishop of Verdun, strengthened the site in 860 on a rocky promontory overlooking the Woëvre plain. This place then became the main fortress of the bishops of Verdun and housed their monetary workshop until 1546. In 1636, the retreating Swedes laid siege and set fire to much of the city, marking a turning point in its medieval history.
The medieval castle was finally destroyed in 1918 during World War I fighting. Between 1923 and 1928, Norman architect Henri Jacquelin, originally from Évreux, completely rebuilt the site in a neo-Renaissance style, inspired by the troubadour movement. This project, funded by the American patron Belle Skinner, reuses some 11th century remains to create an eclectic building, emblematic of Lorraine.
Since 1986, the castle has been listed as a Historic Monument by the French Ministry of Culture. Today, it is privately owned and houses a hotel, conference centre and wedding reception. The village of Hattonchâtel, formerly a self-governing commune, was integrated into Vigneulles-les-Hattonchâtel in 1973, consolidating its territorial anchor in the Meuse.
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