Château de Saint-Ulrich: A Majestic Ruin Overlooking Ribeauvillé

Perched at an altitude of 528 meters, the Château de Saint-Ulrich, also called Gross Rappolstein, is the largest and best-preserved of the three castles that dominate the skyline above Ribeauvillé. This fascinating castle complex in Upper Alsace controlled the strategic road linking the Alsatian Plain to the high valley of Lièpvre.Originally known as Rappolstein Castle, it served as the principal residence of the powerful lords of Ribeaupierre from the 11th to the 16th centuries. The castle's present name comes from the chapel dedicated to Saint Ulrich of Augsburg, erected in the 15th century. The castle is a fine example of military architecture in Alsace, with a keep and residence dating back to the 12th century. Over the centuries, the castle was expanded, incorporating Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. Key features include the Knights Hall, a rectangular room adorned with nine Romanesque windows, a barbican, an outer enceinte, and the Chapel of Saint-Ulrich.The Ribeaupierre family left the castle in the 16th century, and it was later dismantled during the Thirty Years' War. Today, the ruins impress visitors with their size and the variety of architectural styles. Climbing the keep provides great views of the surrounding area and the village of Ribeauvillé below.