Château de Wineck

Description

Surrounded by vineyards, Château du Wineck stands on a granitic rocky outcrop in Katzenthal. It was constructed during the 13th and 14th centuries.

The keep is 20 metres high with an almost square plan. A modern external staircase on the western side of the keep gives access to the first floor via a 19th-century entrance. A modern interior staircase gives access to higher levels. Originally, the second floor was entered via a high door in gothic arch off a walkway in the south wall (today, a wooden balcony) leading to the roof of the residence to the west of the keep. On the third floor, to the north, a latrine remains. In the south-eastern corner of the roof there is a gargoyle. The original parapet has been restored. The horseshoe shaped enceinte enclosed the keep from the north and parts of its round walk still exists. To the west of the keep was the residence; to the east the stables. A second enceinte opposite the castle sheltered the lower courtyard. The moat surrounding the castle was cut into rock in the north.