Château de Pierrefort, French castle
The Château de Pierrefort is a castle on a hilltop near Martincourt with thick stone walls, small windows, and tower remnants from the medieval period. The structure shows the typical architecture of that time with narrow openings designed for defense, and today much of it is covered with ivy and moss.
The castle was built in 1306 by Renaud de Bar, bishop of Metz, to serve as a fortress defending the region. Over centuries it changed hands repeatedly between different noble families and rulers until 1636, when King Louis XIII ordered it dismantled to prevent enemies from using it as a stronghold.
The castle displays a mix of medieval and Renaissance styles that reflect different periods of its history. Visitors can still see decorative details today, such as ornate staircases and a gateway with carved spiral designs, showing how the building adapted to new tastes over the centuries.
The castle stands on private land and is not open to visitors, so it should only be admired from a distance. The best view is from the country road where you can see the south side of the ruins, particularly if you wear sturdy shoes and use the uneven field paths.
The ruins still bear traces of a special Renaissance renovation, particularly a gateway with elegant spiral carvings that shows how nobility modernized the castle in the 15th century. A mysterious inscription 'O A Jamais' (Forever) is said to have been written by Duke René of Lorraine above a doorway, possibly as a battle cry or wish to reclaim the castle.
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