La Roche-en-Ardenne Castle

La Roche-en-Ardenne, France

La Roche-en-Ardenne Castle ruins lie on a rocky outcrop dominating the green valley which is nestled in a loop formed by the river Ourthe and the steep sides of the Deistermountain. The ruins, dating back to the 11th century, look gloomy but impressive, emphasized by the roughly piled slate walls.

From the 12th century on the castle took a strategic place in the development and defence of trade and it got to be a halting place in the trading route of English wool to Lombardia in present Italy.

The castle was conquered by the French in 1681 who rebuilt the castle so that it could withstand the new artillery.

La Roche-en-Ardenne Castle was inhabited until 1780 when it was abandoned. It quickly fell to ruin when in the 19th century it was stripped of all useful materials by the villagers of La Roche.

In 1903 during superficial excavations, inside the castle walls, pieces of polished flint, a whetstone and several shards of prehistoric pottery were discovered. Also, in 1954 a Roman coin minted in the 4th century was found. In 1995 more serious excavation works started. Proof was found that the castle site once housed a Celtic oppidum and a Roman fort.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Elena Alpdogan (2 years ago)
We got in the time before the holidays, so we couldn't see the hawks show, that was a pity. But in any case, the prices are too expensive for seeing just a piece of ruin with a closed bar inside. And there's no clear explanation for how to get to the "castle", we had to drive around in vain.
Fengjing Zhang (2 years ago)
Entrance ticket is too expensive for the views of the castle. The bird show is great but I feel so sad those beautiful birds are caged.
Dave Mellor (3 years ago)
Inexpensive, with plenty to see and (when we went at least) a falconry display included. It's also illuminated with a light show at night and worthwhile finding a vantage point on the opposite side of the river (Rue du Chalet is good).
Luc Krols (3 years ago)
This very old castle is build on a rock using materials from the area. The builders used a very special technique to put rocks together and form a stable structure. The place is worth a visit which lasts around 45-60 minutes. Entrance is open until 30 minutes before closing time. It's not expensive and worth the visit.
crazedentity (3 years ago)
I found it to be very nicely preserved/maintained for people to still be able to visit the castle. It's €6,5 per adult and it'll take you between 30-45 minutes to see it all depending on your speed.
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