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> Regional culture > Architecture
Military architecture
Architectural diversity thanks to a turbulent history
From the Roman period onwards, many military fortifications have been built in and around Alsace. This impressive architectural diversity is closely linked to the turbulent history of our region, which occupies a central position within Europe. It also reflects the fragmentary power structure of the German Holy Roman Empire which saw landowners attempting to assert their supremacy over their neighbours with the help of massive fortified structures. Although mostly destroyed during the 17th century, many remains from the castles and the fortified towns, churches and cemeteries are today dotted across the Alsatian landscape. Most of these fortifications can be found in areas of great strategic importance, overlooking the Alsatian plain or protecting access to the valleys of the Vosges. Following the restoration work launched during the 20th century by Emperor Wilhelm II, the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle is without a doubt one of the most impressive military structures in the area. Also, be sure not to miss the Fleckenstein, the most frequently visited unrestored castle in Alsace.
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Between 1679 and 1702, Vauban set about fortifying Alsace's borders. In 1679, Huningue and Sélestat formed the first stage of this defensive line. This was followed by the fortress of Strasbourg in 1681, the towns of Belfort and Fort-Louis in 1686, and subsequently Landau and Neuf-Brisach in 1698. Neuf-Brisach is certainly one of the best preserved fortified Alsatian towns and also one of the most majestic in the region. Between 1875 and 1914, the Germans erected a new 11 km line of fortifications protected by 15 forts around Strasbourg. Finally, between 1927 and 1935, the 200 km Maginot Line was built, of which a number of sites can still be seen today, including those at Four-à-Chaux near Lembach, the Schoenenbourg fort and the Esch casemate in Hatten.
