Château de Chambonneau is a well-preserved medieval castle in Gizay, Vienne, France, built between 1335 and 1609 near the Miosson river. Originally constructed during the reign of Philippe VI, it retains much of its 14th-century structure, including the keep and most of its towers.
The site began as a feudal motte and belonged to the Ligugé Abbey before passing to the Anguittard family in the 11th century. The current castle was built by the Frottiers de Chambonneau at the base of the hill to utilize the river for moats.
Its original design included a square layout with round corner towers, a large keep, and a fortified gate. In 1356, during the Hundred Years' War, the castle was taken by the English after the capture of King Jean II of France, who spent his first night in captivity there.
Later, the fortress was transformed into a residence: walls were lowered, comfort improved, and new buildings were added in the 16th century, including farms, dovecotes, and a chapel. The castle passed through several owners and was modified again under the First Empire. In 1953, the remaining gatehouse towers were removed to widen the entrance.
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The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.
The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.
The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.
The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.