Restoring Haut-Koenigsbourg castle
Wilhelm II wanted to remind people of the region's Germanic heritage and symbolically mark the western boundary of his empire. He opted for a complete restoration of the castle. Its role becomes highly symbolic.
The architect Bodo Ebhardt, who was in charge of the restoration, based his work on rigorous scientific principles, given the state of knowledge at the time: he listed all the archaeological remains found on the site, studied archive documents, analysed the architecture... and in cases of uncertainty, referred to models chosen from nearby contemporary buildings, in particular other fortified castles.
The work lasted from 1900 to 1908.
A colossal worksite
As soon as the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg was acquired by Wilhelm II, work began...
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Kaiser Wilhelm II's dream
Wilhelm II wants to bring the age of the knights back to life and give the Middle Ages their own museum.
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A restoration criticised but respectful of the castle's past
The young Berlin architect Bodo Ebhardt was appointed by Wilhelm II to supervise the work.
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The people behind the restoration
Through the worksite reports, a number of personalities emerge. Here they are...
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