Château de Potelle, Medieval castle in Potelle, France.
The Château de Potelle stands as a fortified medieval structure surrounded by wide moats fed by natural springs, featuring polygonal walls reinforced with cylindrical towers and defensive elements including arrow slits and mullioned windows.
Built in 1290 by Guillaume de Mortagne, the castle endured multiple destructions during conflicts in 1477, 1654, and 1793, yet was systematically rebuilt each time, preserving its medieval character through centuries of warfare and restoration.
The castle houses a chapel dedicated to Saint Nicolas, moved inside the walls in 1519 for protection, containing a 17th-century rood beam depicting Passion scenes that has been classified as a historical monument since 1971.
As a private property protected under historical monument status, the castle is not permanently open to the public but offers scheduled visits during European Heritage Days with medieval animations by the Tempus Medialis association.
The castle features a round tower prison equipped with a ceiling opening called an 'eye of greeting' that provided limited ventilation and access while maintaining security over the surrounding moats.
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