Geroldseck Castle

Geroldseck Castle, locally known as Château de Geroldseck, lies northeast of the village of Niederstinzel, in the Moselle department in France.

Geroldseck Castle was first mentioned in 1050 and it was probably built during the 10th century. It was built as a tower on a low motte. Later, sometime before 1200, it was rebuilt as a square castle with one round tower, surrounded by a moat. At first the castle was known under the name of "Stinsel" or "Steinsal", meaning "stone house".

In the early 14th century the castle was acquired by Jean de Geroldseck. After his death in 1359 his name stuck to the castle, which was hence known as Geroldseck Castle. It then passed through various branches of his family. At the end of the 15th century however the castle was described as being dilapidated and was probably abandoned.

At present the ruin of Geroldseck Castle stands in the middle of a field used to graze cattle. Its dried-up moat is still visible and during wet times still fills up. A nice castle ruin.

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