|
Dating back to the Roman
Empire after the conquest of Alsace by Caesar, the castle Le Chateau
d'Osthoffen was part of intelligence measures to ward off Germanic
incursions.
During the 12th century and onwards, Osthoffen became a fortified castle.
Due to a siege lead by the Bishop of Strasbourg in 1410, fire raged
through the building, depriving it of its 3rd floor. An ancestor, the
architect von Seebach, rebuilt the castle as a Rennaissance estate and a
private dwelling, its military mission finally coming to a close after
the Thirty Years War (1648).
More changes came about with the 18th century: courtyard walls were
removed and new wide windows enlightened both the façade and the
interior. The castle lost its towers during the French Revolution by
order of the new authorities, one of the first works undertaken by the
new owner was to rebuilt them.
Bought in 1817 by viscount François Grouvel, the next 60 years witnessed
19th century modernisations. The Franco-Prussian War (1870/71) then tore
Alsace from the rest of France. The family remained in place, however, a
bastion of French tradition.
Yet more destruction took place during World War II with many treasures
stolen or burnt. During the fifties and sixties Osthoffen turned
resolutely towards Europe, hosting receptions held by the city of
Strasbourg to promote this new ideal, an ideal dearly held by the
present owner and his family.
During the fifties and the sixties, Osthoffen castle was used by the
city of Strasbourg for the promotion of the European Institutions in
Strasbourg. Many concerts and official receptions took place in
Osthoffen. |
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)