Château de Ratilly, Medieval fortress in Treigny, France.
Château de Ratilly is a medieval fortress built with six towers arranged around a rectangular courtyard and encircled by dry moats. The stone walls display the defensive structure typical of medieval military architecture.
The fortress was built in 1270 and served as a refuge for Huguenots in 1567. Mary du Puy undertook significant restoration work in 1587 that preserved the structure.
A pottery workshop has operated within the castle walls since 1951, where artisans create handcrafted stoneware pieces marked with an owl symbol. Visitors can watch craftspeople at work and purchase their creations in the onsite shop.
The site is accessible year-round and can be explored on foot at your own pace. Stairs and pathways can be steep and uneven, so wearing appropriate footwear is important.
The southwest tower was converted into a dovecote with new chimneys and windows inserted into the original medieval structure. This adaptation shows how the building was repurposed for new functions while preserving its historic walls.
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