Castle of Caen, Medieval castle and museum in Caen, France.
The fortress covers 5.5 hectares on a hilltop, featuring ramparts, two gates with barbicans, and remains of a rectangular keep from 1123.
William the Conqueror ordered the construction of the castle in 1060, which later became a residence for dukes of Normandy and English kings.
The castle houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Normandy, displaying regional history collections and temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Visitors can walk through the dry moat pathway, explore the medieval garden, and climb the northern rampart for views over the city.
During Christmas 1182, the castle hosted over 1000 knights for a celebration with Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and John Lackland.
Location: Caen
Inception: 1060
Architectural style: medieval architecture of Normandy
Address: rue de Geôle 14000 Caen 14000 Caen
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 07:30-22:30
Phone: +33231304760
Email: mdn@caen.fr
Website: http://chateau.caen.fr
GPS coordinates: 49.18646,-0.36271
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:38
Caen bears traces of its past in every stone. The castle built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century still overlooks the city, while the Abbey of Men and the Abbey of Women testify to the power of the Norman dukes. Saint-Pierre Church rises with its 73-meter Gothic tower, and in the streets of Vaugueux, half-timbered houses recall medieval life. The Caen Memorial tells about World War II and the Normandy Battle, periods that deeply affected the city. Between history and nature, Caen also offers places of rest. The Botanical Garden, created in 1848, houses thousands of plant species within its greenhouses and arboretum. The Park of the Hill of Birds, developed over 17 hectares, features themed gardens and viewpoints over the city. From the Fine Arts Museum located within the castle to the Leroy Tower on the Orne quays, each site invites to discover different periods. Visiting Caen means exploring ten centuries of architecture and events that have shaped Normandy.
Church of Saint-Pierre
290 m
Musée de Normandie
112 m
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen
84 m
Hôtel d'Escoville
333 m
Maison des Quatrans
196 m
Tour Leroy
362 m
Église du Saint-Sépulcre de Caen
265 m
Vostrus Stele
112 m
Synagogue of Caen
201 m
Hôtel de Mondrainville
339 m
Ancienne église Saint-Julien de Caen
324 m
52 rue Saint-Pierre, Caen
346 m
14 rue aux Namps
374 m
54 rue Saint-Pierre, Caen
355 m
Hôtel Duquesnoy-du-Thon
379 m
Musée de la Poste et des Télécommunications
346 m
Maison, 9 rue de la Monnaie
375 m
Hôtel de Colomby
322 m
8 rue des Croisiers, Caen
313 m
26 rue des Croisiers, Caen
379 m
Cour des Imprimeurs
384 m
Hôtel Lebourguignon-Duperré
345 m
14 rue des Croisiers, Caen
342 m
Barbacane de la porte Saint-Pierre
183 m
Église Saint-Georges-du-Château
86 m
Chapelle de la Miséricorde de Caen
307 m
Maison, 10 rue Montoir-Poissonnerie
269 m
François de Malherbe
361 mReviews
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