Salm castle, Pierre Percée, Vosges

Located at a 500m altitude, with a 1.200 m2 surface, this rock supported on the 10th century lords who were sacking the region.

At the beginning of the 11th century, Salm family took possession of the premises, thanks to a marriage with Agnes de Langenstein. She did strengthen the defences by adding a square tower, and digging a well of approximately 32m depth and 9m in diameter, which gave the castle its nickname : Pierre Percée ("perforated stone").

In 1135, the Bishop of Metz, Etienne de Bar, besieged this fort (supposed to be impregnable) by constructing 3 other castles around :

• Dame Galle, whose ruins are still visible at the foot of the "pierre à cheval" stone.
• La roche des corbeaux
• Ortomont

the Castle after a 1 year siege.

From 13th to the 14th centuries, the castle was occupied by the Templier Knights.

During the 30 Years War, the Swedish, allied to the French, took and burnt the fortification. Then Richelieu dismantle it, as he did with many other castle in Lorraine. Later, the stones served to the construction of village houses.