Castle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Medieval castle ruins in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France.
The castle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape sits on a hilltop above vineyards and the Rhône plains, with a surviving tower, southern wall, and underground chambers still visible. These ruins allow visitors to trace the layout of rooms and understand the original fortress layout.
A pope in the 1300s ordered this fortified residence built as a summer retreat in Provence. Later warfare damaged the structure and caused it to lose much of its original form.
The name reflects the papal connection to the fortress, still visible today in local wine festivals and brotherhood ceremonies held at the site. Visitors notice how deeply this heritage shapes the way people celebrate the region's wines and maintain old traditions.
The site is freely accessible and sits on a hilltop, so comfortable shoes and water are essential, especially on warm days. The best views of the vineyards and the Rhône plains open up from the highest points among the ruins.
During World War II, German forces built an anti-aircraft position here before retreating from the area. The northern side still shows scars from this destruction, giving the ruins their modern fragmented appearance.
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