Château de Pontivy

Pontivy, France

According to legend, Pontivy was founded in 685 AD by an English monk called Ivy who built a wooden bridge across the Blavet, giving the town its name – Pont d’Ivy. The town really began to develop in the 12th century when Viscount Rohan settled there and in the 14th century it became the political and administrative capital of the viscounty.

The main site in Pontivy is its château, which overlooks the River Blavet a short walk from the town centre. The present castle was built in 1485 by Viscount Rohan, whose aristocratic line dates back to 1120. The Rohan family seat has seen plenty of action during its 500-year history including being besieged during the Duchy of Brittany War of Independence in 1488 and taken over by Catholic forces during the French Wars of Religion in 1589. The château, which retains many original features, is open to the public and often stages art exhibitions.

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Details

Founded: 1485
Category: Castles and fortifications in France

More Information

www.brittanytourism.com

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Neil Barton (3 years ago)
Imposing building, interior closed for renovation.
David Kerr (3 years ago)
Closed, but my guest enjoyed seeing it
Keith Byner (3 years ago)
Unfortunately closed for renovations but a nice walk around the outside.
Robert Bornmann (3 years ago)
Beautiful and rich in history
Nazila Mais (5 years ago)
A Delightful Sunday Morning in the Countryside. A must see
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