Château du Ramstein

For safety reasons, access to the château is still forbidden, but visits to the construction site are sometimes possible during Heritage Days.
Built in 1293 by Otto (Othon) von Ochsenstein, Grand Bailiff of Alsace, Ramstein Castle was constructed below its powerful neighbor Ortenbourg, to support the siege against the latter. Originally a simple tower, it gradually evolved into a full-fledged castle. After passing into the hands of the Zorn de Bulach family, it was devastated by the inhabitants of Strasbourg in the 15th century, then destroyed again by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War.
Today, all that remains of the residential tower are two sections of wall, where you can still make out several levels, a chimney and a large archway with a niche facing Ortenbourg. This loophole, the largest in Alsace, was specially designed to accommodate a giant crossbow capable of firing projectiles at the neighboring castle. Also remaining from the Ramstein are the outer wall and two turrets, rebuilt in 1793 to defend the entrance to the Vosges mountains.
The site is home to rare and precious flora, including the biscutella - a small cruciferous plant unique to the region - and endangered species such as the perennial lettuce, the noble yarrow and the green lizard.
For several years now, a team of volunteers known as the "Ramstein Watchers" has been clearing and consolidating walls, towers and basements to preserve this heritage.