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

Grégory Vouhé (8 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 (12 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.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Klearchos Kapoutsis

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The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Château de Glénay

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