Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The medieval castle, nicknamed Qui-qu'en-grogne, stands on a site probably fortified from the Gallo-Roman period, as suggested by its name Medium Castrum. In the 12th century, documents already attest to its role as a fortified place, then from the 13th to the 15th century, Middle became a major chestnut factory under the dependence of the bishops of Metz. The latter exercise both spiritual and temporal power over the surrounding lands.

In 1444, Bishop Conrad Bayer of Boppart ordered the destruction of the old castle to erect a modern fortress, adapted to the cannons and sinkers then growing. This castle, of approximately square plan with a double enclosure, embodies the military innovations of the late Middle Ages. Its exterior walls (13 m high, 1.60 m thick) and interior walls (16 m high, 2.50 m thick) housed buildings organized around a rectangular courtyard.

The fortress underwent two major dismantlings: in 1639 by Richelieu after a victorious siege, then during the French Revolution (1789), which completed its degradation. Among the remains still visible are the seigneurial house with engraved coats of arms, the tower of the prison with its historical inscriptions (like that of Laborde in 1584), and a well with preserved margins. The episcopal palace, although degraded, and a vaulted cellar of 140 m2 with arches in basket handle offer architectural reading keys.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1992 (after a first registration in 1927), the site has since 1983 benefited from an active restoration carried out by a local association. A 2 hectares classified natural site surrounds the ruins, highlighting their heritage value. La Monnaie de Paris even published a medal at its effigy in 1982, created by Roland Irolla.

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