Château de Villebois-Lavalette, Medieval castle in Villebois-Lavalette, France.
Château de Villebois-Lavalette is a fortress in the small village of the same name with building sections spanning from medieval times to the early modern period. The complex contains preserved wings and towers that reflect different construction phases, with semicircular bastions reinforcing the outer walls.
The castle's origins date to the 13th century when the Lusignan family, Counts of Angoulême, expanded the original structure by adding semicircular towers to strengthen the fortification. Additional construction work continued over the centuries, particularly during the 17th century, giving the building its varied appearance.
The chapel inside features Romanesque design and was built by the Ithier de Villebois family, showing how defense and faith were connected in medieval times. The religious spaces shape the site today and reveal the role the church held in local life.
Visitors can explore the castle on guided tours that provide access to various preserved rooms and areas, including parts of the chapel. Wearing proper footwear is recommended since paths and stairs are uneven and some sections have steep inclines.
During the Hundred Years War the fortress fell into English hands and was watched over by Raymond de Mareuil, preserving memories of medieval instability. This military past remains woven into the region's history and is part of what shaped the local area.
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