Pontivy Castle

Pontivy Castle is a medieval fortress in the town of Pontivy featuring two surviving towers and two galleries bordered by substantial stone walls. The complex extends along the northern edge of the town and demonstrates the typical construction style of a late medieval stronghold.

Jean II de Rohan initiated construction in 1485 on the ruins of earlier fortifications that had been destroyed by English forces in 1342. The new structure replaced the previous defenses and shaped the town's development for centuries afterward.

The structure displays remnants of its transformation from a military stronghold into a residential space, with decorated fireplaces and a grand staircase that reflect how inhabitants lived. Walking through these rooms reveals how the building adapted to accommodate domestic life over the centuries.

The site welcomes visitors in organized groups for guided tours lasting around 90 minutes through accessible sections of the building. It is wise to check ahead which areas are open during your visit, as ongoing maintenance work is regularly conducted.

A section of the south curtain wall collapsed in 2014 during severe winter weather, triggering extensive archaeological excavations. This event uncovered buried layers and artifacts that helped researchers understand more about the structure's past.