Mayenne's Castle, Medieval castle and museum in Mayenne, France
Mayenne's Castle is a stone fortress positioned on elevated ground overlooking the Mayenne River, featuring thick defensive walls, multiple towers, and an enclosed courtyard at its center. The rooms inside hold collections of games, weapons, and furnishings that represent different periods of occupation throughout its long history.
The fortress was built around the year 1000 on top of earlier Carolingian structures and served first as a military stronghold protecting the region. It later became a prison facility, a role it maintained until the mid-20th century when it was converted into a museum.
The castle displays medieval games and household objects that reveal how people lived and spent their leisure time. These artifacts show the everyday practices and interests of residents throughout the centuries.
The museum is open year-round and offers guided tours through its rooms as well as educational workshops for younger visitors interested in medieval life. Wear comfortable shoes since the visit involves climbing stairs and navigating uneven castle grounds.
The castle houses a rare collection of over 50 game pieces carved from bone and ivory dating to the 10th century, including backgammon elements and chess figures. These objects show that residents of that era enjoyed sophisticated games and had access to valuable imported materials.
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