Franchimont castle

Franchimont Castle was one of the twelve residences and strongholds of the Principality of Liège. Built in the 11th century under the episcopates of Henri de Verdun and Otbert, it served as the administrative and judicial centre for the region between the duchies of Limbourg, Luxembourg and the Principality of Stavelot. The ruins today are divided into three concentric enclosures representing the evolution of fortification from the Middle Ages to modern times. The first enclosure houses the remains of the medieval castle, which was mainly modified in the 16th century. The second enclosure, little preserved, included an eastern reinforcement of the keep, reflecting the advances made by the artillery. Finally, the third enclosure, dating from the time of Erard de la Marck, features early 16th-century military architecture adapted to gunpowder artillery. Despite destruction during the French Revolution, the remaining ruins offer a fascinating insight into the evolution of military architecture in response to advances in weaponry.