The castle of Sedan, or high castle, extends on a spur at the edge of the Meuse river. With its 8.64 acres (35,000 m²) over seven floors, it is sometimes considered the largest fortress of medieval origin in Europe. It stands on walls 22 to 88.5 ft wide (7 to 27 m). The castle served as a fort for the French armies until 1962. It was meant to be dismantled, but the city of Sedan bought it and turned it into a medieval museum.