Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Kintzheim Castle, built from 1250 on the orders of Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, is an emblematic example of medieval military architecture. The circular dungeon and ramparts, completed at the end of the 13th century, were completed by houses in the 14th and 15th centuries. Located on a rocky spur at 280 meters above sea level, it dominates the village and reflects the strategic importance of the region under the Holy Roman Empire.

In 1341 Emperor Louis IV offered the village of Kintzheim to the city of Seletat, before the castle was sold to that same city in 1492 by Emperor Frederick III. Partially destroyed in 1633 by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War, it was restored between 1650 and 1670 by J. G. de Gollen, former mayor of Seletat who became a diplomat. In the 18th century, a hermit lived there until 1780, maintaining the chapel dedicated to Saint James.

Left behind after the French Revolution, the castle lost its roofs around 1830. In 1807, Napoleon I granted the property to Mathieu de Faviers, who joined a manor house in an executive style. Ranked a historic monument in 1965, the site was restored and in 1968 became a major tourist hub with the installation of the Eagles' Volerie, dedicated to the protection of threatened raptors. The ruins, regularly maintained, include remarkable elements such as an apotropaic head carved on a 16th century tower.

The adjoining park, created between 1803 and 1807 in an English style, was classified as a remarkable garden and listed as an inventory of historical monuments in 1992. Although not directly accessible from the castle, it houses more than 120 remarkable trees. The Regis Villa estate, with an area of 24 hectares, was classified as a natural site in 1978, highlighting the heritage and ecological value of the site.

Future

Since 1968, eagle stealing has been established, raising and presenting endangered raptors to the public. Eagles, hawks, vultures and other superb specimens evolve in this privileged setting and participate in daily flight demonstrations.

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