Originally owned by Amaury Péau in the 14th century, Château des Réaux fell completely into ruins in the 16th century. It was then bought by Jean Briçonnet, first mayor of Tours, who saw his grandson erect the current Renaissance-style castle.
Listed as a Historic Monument, the Château des Réaux now houses an art gallery with a permanent exhibition rich in paintings dedicated to human legs. Nearly 800 paintings by 530 painters from more than 40 countries around the world are visible. The rest of the castle is also accessible to individual or group visits.
The Château des Réaux has a very beautiful French garden with canals, moats, sundial and other sculptures. It is also possible to spend the night there thanks to the rental of rooms with varied decorations. A heated swimming pool is also offered.
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.