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Founded: 12th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)
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The Château de Murs, perched on the heights of Murs near the Vaucluse mountains, was built between the 12th and 18th centuries.
The oldest remains, dating back to the 12th century, were built by the d'Agoult family as a fortified garrison with ramparts and a tower, now located in the western part of the current castle. Around the same time, a village church served both as a chapel and parish, featuring a small cloister.
In the 13th century, the 'Maison Crillon' was built as a residence for visiting lords. In 1462, the property was transferred to the Astouaud family, who expanded and refined the castle, adding a central keep with a chapel and justice hall. In the Renaissance period, they built a new house beside the Maison Crillon.
In the 18th century, Jean-Baptiste François d’Astouaud, Marquis of Murs, added gardens and a grand iron gate bearing the family coat of arms. By the French Revolution, the castle had fallen into neglect.
Restoration began in the mid-19th century, led by the Vayson family. The poet and artist Paul Vayson, a descendant, described the castle’s haunting beauty, with its ivy-covered walls, crumbling battlements, and nesting swallows.
Complete restoration was achieved in the mid-20th century. Today, the castle remains private and is not open to the public.
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.