Blacksmithing in the medieval town of Rodemack
Organised by Les amis des vieilles pierres de Rodemack
Accessible from age 17
Les amis des vieilles pierres de Rodemack
Organizers / Managers
Presentation
Founded in 1978, the Association des Amis des Vieilles Pierres has set itself the goal of rehabilitating and promoting local heritage with a view to revitalizing Rodemack and opening it up to tourism. Dating back to the 14th century, the fortress of Rodemack and the fortifications surrounding the old town are the most homogenous example of medieval architecture in Lorraine. Rehabilitation was urgently needed, and so the Association des Amis des Vieilles Pierres was born.
Since 1978, they have worked tirelessly to restore over 600 meters of fortifications surrounding the old town, as well as the nine remaining flanking towers. A Medieval Garden has been created at the foot of these fortifications. The Maison d'Accueil was completed in the late 80s. A whole series of different projects have been carried out within the walls.
The association welcomes students from Lycées Professionnels for educational sequences lasting several weeks (sewing and historical costume courses, heritage courses for building trades). Topography and building archaeology courses are mainly aimed at students. N.B. Initiation to stonemasonry and ironwork takes place during the various courses or workcamps.
On an ad hoc basis, the Association organizes workcamps for young people in difficulty. The aim of these workcamps is to train young people in various heritage restoration techniques (paving, roofing, etc.). This work complements the activities of volunteers on the traditional REMPART summer work camps.
