Located in the Cher department, the Château de Châteauneuf-sur-Cher dates back to the 11th century, built to control the Cher Valley. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of powerful noble families, including the Culan lineage, the L'Aubespine family, and later, Colbert under Louis XIV.
In 1569, the castle was burned during the Wars of Religion but was rebuilt in the late Renaissance style. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it changed ownership multiple times, undergoing renovations, notably by the Maillé family.
By the 20th century, the château was abandoned, suffering from vandalism and neglect. Restoration efforts began in 2015. Listed as a historic monument since 1926, it features impressive medieval and Renaissance architecture, including a fortified entrance, grand courtyards, and Renaissance façades.
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.