Château de Culan

The Culan castle is located in the French community Culan in the extreme south of the department of Cher in the Centre region. The medieval fort stands on a rocky promontory above the valley of the Arnon.

History

Built as a successor to a wooden plant early 12th century fortress second building was in 1188 besieged II Plantagenet King Philippe Auguste in the war against the English king Henri and destroyed. The present building with Renaissance additions goes back to the 13th century and has been extended and modified to the 15th century.

1582 the barons of Culan were forced to sell the castle, and in 1600 the estate came into the possession of the Duke of Sully ( 1599-1621 ). Later was Louis II de Bourbon, prince de Condé, the owner. While associated with the Fronde events let Jules Mazarin, Condé adversary will wear away the protective walls of the castle. From the end of the 17th century the possession of La Tour d' Auvergne family and the Prince of Croy, last Baron of Culan belonged. During the French Revolution the lands of the castle were divided among several families and sell the plant as national property.

Several famous guests made over time here Station: Jeanne d' Arc, Louis XI, Sully, Madame de Sévigné, the writer George Sand and composer Frederic Chopin..

Architecture

The facade of the castle Culan is 80 meters long and is divided by three mighty round towers, whose roof lining is unique in France. In the grand salons there are some beautiful fireplaces from the 15th century. At the foot of the castle there is a herb garden and a rose garden.

Parts of the current building are classified as a monument historique since 1956 and were restored between 1950 and 1980. The facility is open to visitors. Near the castle there is in the steep alleys and some medieval houses and the parish church of Notre -Dame, which is dedicated to Saint Vincent.