The Château of Coudray-Montpensier, a former castellany under Montsoreau, is located on the road connecting Chinon to Seuilly, surrounded by fields and vineyards. The history of Coudray-Montpensier dates back to the Middle Ages (11th century). The estate was owned by successive noble families and lineages: the Montsoreau, the Marmande, the Sainte Maure, the Artois, the Bournan, the Bourbon, the Escoubleau, the de Vallière, and finally the Lamote-Baracé family.
The current château was built in the 14th century and significantly enhanced in the 15th century. In the 18th century, architect Anjubault designed the three garden terraces north of the château. Today, the château serves as a venue for hospitality, dining, and events.
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.