Château de Sagonne was erected by Sancerre family, who had held the seigneurie from the 10th century. It was built during the 14th century to control the road between Bourges and Sancoins. The estate was bought by the Babou family in 1546; during the rest of the 16th century they made significant alterations. The castle was acquired by the noted Baroque architect, Jules Hardouin Mansart, in 1699 and he made important alterations in the early 18th century. The castle was broken up during the French Revolution and its contents and materials sold.
The enceinte originally comprised eight towers and two gateways. Wanting a more panoramic view, Mansart demolished the curtain walls on the east and created gardens. The west and north sides of the enceinte still exist. Also still visible are the pillars supporting the base of the bartizans (watch towers), parts of the portcullis in its housing and door panels from the 16th century. Under the Gothic arch vault can be seen the start of the staircase leading to the upper floors. Four towers remain.
The facade looking onto the courtyard dates from the 15th century and has moulded windows as well as the openings made in the 18th century at the end of the building. Most of the doors still have their original decorative moulding.
The castle is privately owned and is open to the public from June to September. Visitors may see frescoes from the 17th century, furnished rooms, weapons and portraits, and the Mansart Museum.
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.