Château de Belzunce, Ayherre, France

The Château de Belzunce is a ruined castle in the commune of Ayherre. Its construction dates from the 13th, 14th and 16th centuries

The castle has a trapezoidal plan flanked by four towers, representing two periods of construction, the Middle Ages and the 16th century. During the 16th century, it was redeveloped and finally ruined. During the French Revolution, it was sold as national property. It appears to have been used as a stone quarry. Neighbouring buildings and the outer fortifications survive only as foundations. The castle is notable for the Belzunce family. François de Belzunce was Bishop of Marseille at the beginning of the 18th century and the Marseille district of Belsunce was named by him.

It is privately owned and has been registered since 1992 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. It is not possible to visit the site, but it may be clearly seen from the road.

References:

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Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

véronique Deyherassary C (Fleurs64) (3 years ago)
A warm welcome from the owners of this exceptional freestone estate, with a 360° view, discovered on a sunny day. The tastefully decorated rooms make the castle a place of soothing charm whose large tree-lined garden serves as its setting. A place that I can't wait to bloom!

Château de Belzunce

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Church of St Donatus