Château de Simiane-la-Rotonde

Simiane-la-Rotonde, France

Simiane-la-Rotonde has remained practically unchanged for centuries. On the hilltop stands the truncated cone-shaped edifice that gave Simiane-la-Rotonde its name: the keep, or rotunda, of the old Château des Simiane-Agoult. Built in the 12th century, its massive exterior is remarkable for its hexagonal shape. The interior, an uneven dodecagon, is especially splendid. It is a vast room with a series of  arches topped by finely sculpted capitals. The ceiling has a stone cupola of 12 ribbed vaults towering five metres high. It is an amazing example of Romanesque architecture, both civil and military.

The southern wing of the castle has also been restored and you can visit parts of the main building and the fortifications. The rooms on the ground floor date from the Middle Ages and recount the castle's history. The upper floor, in Renaissance style, houses the Sainte Victoire Aromatherapy Laboratory, which offers workshops in essential oils to the public.The castle is also the magical setting for exhibitions and the international festival of early music Les Riches Heures Musicales de la Rotonde in August.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Frans Diederik (11 months ago)
Lovely medieval town and an extremely interesting round 'Hall'
romain roux (12 months ago)
The visit of the castle is 5.5 euros per person. Not worth it at all. 2 nearly empty rooms and the rotonde. Done in 20 minutes.
Graham Reynolds (2 years ago)
This a beautiful location, allow half a day, lots of up hill, very tranquil and classic buildings of the area, small “castle” at the top with a €5 entry. Worth a visit
Lars Rohman (3 years ago)
Beautiful middle age village
Chris Brown (6 years ago)
Lovely little village nestled on side of hill. Old worldly. Castle at top is worth a visit but take student cards etc for discount as a smidge pricey (but hey, it's a tourist spot). One room has lavender oils etc in it if you are into that. You can buy lavender stuff too and fantastically high prices. Views from castle are staggeringly pretty. Well worth a visit.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.