Château de Montmirail

Montmirail, France

Located between the city of Le Mans and that of Chartres, at the border of the Departments of Eure- et-Loir, Loir et Cher and Sarthe, Montmirail stands as a picturesque village which is home to its eponymous castle, a quite rightly exceptional site in many respects. This 15th century castle stands out indeed for its unobstructed view over the Sarthe Perche country which it overlooks from an altitude of more than 200 m. Its outstanding architecture reflects many periods, from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance period, the 17th and 18th centuries.

Dated as a roman site in the antiquity, then built as a simple wooden tower in the 5th century. The wooden structure edifice evolved over the years to eventually disappear and make place to the famous U shaped castle which struts over a central courtyard.

This medieval fortress now stands in contrast with the 18th century castle, the latter being a fully fledged dwelling where major historical figures resided.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Valois Dynasty and Hundred Year's War (France)

More Information

chateaudemontmirail.com

User Reviews

Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.