History

 

From medieval origins to abandonment

Although the exact date of its foundation remains unknown, Huneburg Castle probably existed as early as the 12th century. The first written records mentioning the castle date back to 1288. Over the centuries, it belonged to several noble families, including the Lichtenbergs and the Fleckensteins. However, from the second half of the 15th century, the castle was gradually abandoned.

 

Renaissance and nationalist project

In the 20th century, the ruins of the castle were acquired by Fritz Spieser, an Alsatian pro-autonomy activist. He wanted to make it his residence and a gathering place for Alsatians. Under the direction of the architect Karl Erich Loebell, major reconstruction work was undertaken from 1934, resulting in a neo-Romanesque castle. The keep, named Friedensturm (peace tower), was built in homage to the Alsatian soldiers who fell during the First World War.

These works took on a strong symbolic dimension, embodying Alsatian autonomist aspirations. However, the project was interrupted by the Second World War and Spieser's ambitions were only partially realized.

 

Post-war and reconversion

After the war, the castle was seized by the French authorities and was used for various purposes. In particular, it became a holiday resort for financial officers. Today, after having been a hotel, Hunebourg Castle is privately owned.

 

Architecture: a mixture of styles and symbols

Hunebourg Castle features a hybrid architecture, combining the elements of a medieval castle with neo-Romanesque codes. The keep, the Friedensturm, is a striking element of this reconstruction, as are the Gästehaus (guest house) and the Saalbau (party hall) which were only partially completed.

Spieser also planned to build a farmhouse and a wagenhaus (garage) in order to give the castle a more autonomous dimension and more in line with his ideals.