Château de Boves, Medieval castle ruins in Boves, France.
Château de Boves is a ruin standing on a chalk cliff rising about 71 meters, marked by two surviving walls from its southeast tower. The fortress extends roughly 100 meters long and 80 meters wide, surrounded by earth ramparts and ditches that can be reached from the plateau above.
The site originated in the 9th century and underwent major changes until 1595, when its stone was taken for other buildings. This removal marked the end of the fortress as an active military and political stronghold.
The fortress served as a regional power center that shaped the area for centuries. Visitors today can sense this historical importance reflected in the landscape and layout of the site.
The ruins are reached on foot from the plateau, with the path leading across the surviving ramparts and ditches. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and the cliff edge can be dangerously close in some spots.
Excavations from 1996 to 2019 revealed that the fortification used advanced drainage systems to manage rainwater runoff. This thoughtful design helped numerous structural elements survive through the ages.
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