Maison forte de Dalmaz, Medieval fortified residence in La Balme-de-Sillingy, France.
The Maison forte de Dalmaz is a fortified residence in the Alps with thick stone walls and a central tower on elevated ground. The building combines defensive features with a remarkable staircase from the Renaissance period inside.
The structure was built in the 13th century by the Counts of Geneva as a defense point in the region. The Dalmaz family took it over later and kept it in their hands until the 18th century.
The building shows how local nobility built their homes, mixing medieval forms with influences from the south. You can see in its details how this region once connected with Italy.
The property is private with limited public access, so it is best to check conditions beforehand. The exterior view from the surrounding slopes is visible and gives a good sense of the structure from outside.
Inside is a rare Renaissance-era staircase showing that skilled craftspeople from southern Europe brought their techniques to this remote region. This staircase is one of the few surviving examples of its kind in the area.
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