Château de Castelfranc, Medieval castle in Montredon-Labessonnié, France
Château de Castelfranc is a castle in Montredon-Labessonnié featuring an L-shaped layout with a rectangular main building, a square tower for observations, an orangerie, a chapel, and a wooden gallery on the upper level. The different structures connect to form one unified complex.
The original castle belonged to Guillaume le Nautonnier, a geographer serving King Henri IV, until its destruction in 1628 left only the 1610 Belvedere standing. The current building was reconstructed in 1835 using materials and architectural pieces from various structures in Toulouse.
The stonework and decorative elements come from various historical buildings around Toulouse, reflecting a mix of regional styles. These gathered pieces shape the castle's character today and reveal the artistic choices of those who rebuilt it.
The castle is private property and not open to visitors, though it can be viewed from outside. Details about the site are available in heritage protection documents held in Charenton-le-Pont.
The external wooden gallery follows medieval fortification principles, an unusual choice for a structure rebuilt in the 1800s. The square tower was originally designed as an astronomical observatory and served practical scientific purposes.
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