Château de Glénay, Glénay, France

Château de Glénay, with its origins in the 12th century, began as a fortified house overseeing the Thouaret River. Over time, it transformed into a castle, witnessing various modifications and restorations, particularly after the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion. Occupied by notable families, including the Vignerot de Pontcourlays, who later became Dukes of Richelieu, the castle saw visits from historical figures like Cardinal de Richelieu and Henri de La Trémoille.

Post the 17th century, ownership changed hands, leading to periods of neglect and repurposing. After the French Revolution, the castle became an agricultural estate, and the once-grand residence succumbed to nature. However, it gained historical recognition and protection in the 20th century, ensuring its preservation.

Currently a private estate, the Château de Glénay is undergoing a meticulous restoration project since 2021, focusing on restoring its original features. The efforts aim to revive the castle's historical charm, showcasing its architectural and cultural significance.

User Reviews

Nelly Clochard (10 months ago)
Heritage day visit, castle undergoing renovation. Interesting to see the evolution.

Grégory Vouhé (11 months ago)
Interesting mid-15th century castle currently being restored by local companies, with a pretty adjoining stately chapel, in a preserved natural site. Bravo to the owners who are investing in saving a building built in the 1450s, which had been nothing more than an open ruin for two and a half centuries. The exterior of the castle is particularly visible during Heritage Days and during concerts and other events, pending the restoration of the interior with the upcoming replacement of the missing steps of the spiral staircase which serves the floors .

Jean-François PAGE (15 months ago)
Beautiful renovation in progress. Very beautiful work of framing and roofing.

Frédéric RENAUD (2 years ago)
For heritage days very interesting the restoration presentation by the owners I recommend very friendly

Christine Mathieu (3 years ago)
Beautiful castle undergoing renovation. Bucolic setting. Private but can be discovered from the road.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Château de Glénay

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral