Château de Gilette, Medieval castle in Gilette, France.
Château de Gilette is a medieval fortress perched on a rocky summit above the village. The structure features defensive walls and fortifications adapted to the steep mountainous terrain, with narrow apertures and reinforced ramparts.
The castle was built in the 13th century by the Vintimille family as a strategic stronghold during conflicts between French and Savoyard forces. Around 1526, the Grimaldi family occupied the fortress and abandoned it after a brief period.
The castle received official recognition as a protected historical monument through a formal designation by French authorities in June 1933.
The castle is accessed via a footpath from the village center in Gilette along Rue du Château. Visitors should check access conditions before visiting, as portions of the structure remain in private ownership and may restrict public exploration.
In 1526, the castle witnessed a siege when the Grimaldi family occupied it for two months before fleeing to France.
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