THE CASTLE OF ARDELAY
Château d'Ardelay, one of the most remarkable examples of medieval and military architecture in the Herbiers region.
Now an exhibition hall, the Château d'Ardelay is one of the most remarkable examples of medieval and military architecture in the region. And yet, for eleven centuries, the building has known a tumultuous destiny between duels, demolition and restoration. Built in the 15th century, the artificial feudal mound on which it rests is however older. Previously, castles were made of wood; it was only in the 11th century that stone replaced wood, when the castle was founded. The square keep (listed as a historical monument), served as a residence for the lords. Above the basement and a shooting chamber with a gun and a loophole, the great hall, equipped with a granite fireplace. A spiral stairway leads to the three floors. On the top floor, an imposing framework supports the pyramidal roof, as well as machicolations and braces that can be seen on the four outer sides. The dwelling, which houses the exhibitions, was built in the 16th century and has superb granite fireplaces. The outbuildings were built in the 18th century. The castle of Ardelay knew several owners since the presumed builders, the family of Brosses until François de Vivonne. But the most famous master of the place was François de la Rochefoucauld, author of the famous Maxims, who received the castle as a dowry when he married Andrée de Vivonne in 1627. The building was bought by the town in 1984. It is possible to take a guided tour on the days when the exhibitions are open.
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