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Origin and history

The Grand Ringelstein Castle, also known as Ringelsbourg Castle, is a medieval building built in the early 13th century on sandstone rocks in Oberhaslach, Lower Rhine. It rises to 644 meters above sea level and consists of a polygonal enclosure surrounding several rocks, with remains of a pentagonal dungeon to the north. The small openings in the middle of the hanger, visible on the southwest side, testify to its defensive architecture. Originally owned by the Eguisheims, it was mentioned in the middle of the 12th century, then passed under the control of the bishop of Strasbourg after the extinction of this family.

In the 13th century, the castle became an issue between the Eguisheim-Dabo heirs before being entrusted by the bishop to Burckard de Geroldseck around 1228. Partial reconstruction may date from this period. In the 14th century, it was transformed into a castral fief and housed knights from Dorlisheim until 1328, then an episcopal administrator. It became a den of robbers in the 15th century and was finally destroyed in 1470 by the Count Palatin. Ranked a historic monument in 1898, today only ruins remain, including a well preserved enclosure.

The excavations and historical sources, like those of Salch, attest to his occupation as early as 1137 by Anselm de Ringelstein, vassal of the Counts of Alsace. The latter, probably admitted from Haslach's chapter, marks the documented beginnings of the site. The castle illustrates the Alsatian feudal conflicts between noble families, clergy and local authorities, before its destruction due to its use by outlaw knights. Its architecture, adapted to rocky terrain, reflects medieval defensive techniques.

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