The Castle of Terre Neuve in Fontenay-le-Comte, Vendée, France, is a historic château dating back to the 1580s and 1590s. It has been designated as an official historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture since 1978. The castle was originally built for Nicolas Rapin, a prominent figure known for his military career, poetry, and legal expertise. Over the years, the castle changed ownership, including a period when it was occupied by Vincentian priests during the French Revolution.
In the 19th century, Octave de Rochebrune, a notable owner of the castle, made significant contributions to its preservation and enriched its cultural heritage. He was not only a skilled engraver but also a mayor of Fontenay-le-Comte. Rochebrune's efforts included collecting architectural elements and furniture from various sources, such as the castle of Coulonges-sur-l'Autize and Château de Chambord, which were integrated into the Castle of Terre Neuve. His dedication to preserving heritage and his artistic contributions left a lasting impact on the castle.
In summary, the Castle of Terre Neuve is a historically significant château in Fontenay-le-Comte, with a rich history of ownership and cultural preservation efforts, particularly during Octave de Rochebrune's time.
References: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.