Château de Sigournais, château à Sigournais (Vendée)
The Château de Sigournais is a castle built in the 15th century on land with origins dating back to around 1000, surrounded by a dry ditch. The structure features typical medieval defensive elements including thick stone walls, multiple round towers, a crenellated walkway, and narrow shooting slits designed to protect occupants from attack.
The site is first recorded around 1050 as Seguracium under the ownership of Zacharie de Pouzauges. The present castle was constructed by Guyard de Sainte-Flayve and replaced an adjacent priory dedicated to Saint Saturnin, which was relocated outside the defensive walls to make space for the fortress.
The castle's name reflects its medieval administrative heritage and territorial importance. Visitors today can engage with the heraldry collection of around 800 coats of arms that reveal connections between European regions and French provinces, helping people understand how communities once identified themselves through symbols.
The castle is located on Rue du Donjon and is accessible mainly through guided tours and special events. Visitors should note that opening times are seasonal, with primary access during summer months and designated event periods throughout the year.
The castle houses a remarkable collection of around 800 coats of arms from various European regions, enabling visitors to engage with medieval heraldry through interactive activities and learning games. This collection offers a hands-on way to discover how communities once used symbols to express their identity and territorial connections.
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