Château des ducs d'Alençon, Medieval castle ruins in Alençon, France
Description
The Château des ducs d'Alençon is a medieval castle ruin in Alençon featuring twin towers at its entrance and a distinctive crowned tower. The remaining sections were built from granite and limestone blocks, revealing the construction techniques of medieval fortification.
History
Henry I of England built a square Romanesque keep in 1113, transforming a wooden fortress into a strategic defensive stronghold. This transformation marked a turning point in how the site was fortified and its military importance.
Culture
The castle served as the residence of successive Dukes of Alençon and embodied the power dynamics between Norman nobility and French royal authority. Today, walking through its remains reveals how important this location was to the ruling families of the region.
Practical
The site is open to visitors after the municipality acquired it in 2010 and began renovation work. Be aware that the castle is a ruin, so expect uneven surfaces and open areas as you explore.
Did you know?
Interestingly, stones from the castle were repurposed in 1744 to build the Notre-Dame church, showing how building materials were recycled in earlier times. This practice was an economical solution for transforming old structures into new religious buildings.
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