Abandoned Castle - Markus Castle
We received photos from a traveler and compiled them into a historical summary.
This is an urbex visit to Château Markus, also known as the Doctor Markus Manor, Château Harry, or the Knight’s Castle. This vast estate is located in the Ain department. It has been well-known in the urbex community since 2016, though it is frequently the subject of debate among explorers: bought, boarded up, reopened, "no longer a true urbex," and so on. In reality, it is very difficult to pinpoint its current status. It seems simply to be closed in an effort to prevent further vandalism.
From Feudal Origins to Modern Healthcare
The castle originated as a feudal motte. Today, nothing remains of that period—at least nothing visible to anyone but a medievalist. The current edifice dates primarily from the 20th century and has been heavily remodeled. In its final years of operation, it served as a rehabilitation center, which explains the industrial-style kitchen and the numerous rooms that resemble communal dormitories. As of today, the castle is entirely empty.
It is bordered by a large and very active training center, which makes accessing Château Markus quite tricky. Absolute discretion is required, especially given the nearly weekly rumors that the site is no longer visitable due to a recent buyout. As for any signs of occupation or ongoing construction, I saw nothing of the sort.
Beauty and Barbarism
Why was this castle purchased if nothing is to be done with it? Some idiot tagged the Gothic gallery as well as several fireplace hearths. Such sheer imbecility deserves to be brought before a court; it is an act of vandalism that I simply cannot fathom. Fortunately, the degradation has not reached the distressing levels of the "Château des Fables," but how many more threats will it face if nothing is done?
The ceremonial halls and the Gothic gallery remain strikingly beautiful, despite some trashing. You can clearly see that this castle once possessed incredible charm. The bedrooms and bathrooms are magnificent—a rare find, as these areas are often somewhat mediocre or mundane in such estates. The exterior, meanwhile, showcases high-quality flamboyant Neo-Gothic architecture. While there are many disparate renovations, the overall aesthetic remains powerful.
If only one thing were to be remembered, it would be the incredible carvings on the fireplace pediments. These alabasters are full of intricate details—truly a master craftsman’s work. One can only hope that a genuine renovation project eventually sees the light of day, for this is a place that frankly deserves the investment.
