Château de Plessis-lez-Tours, Royal castle in La Riche, France.
Château de Plessis-lez-Tours is a castle in La Riche built from brick and stone with International Gothic features. The rectangular structure is the only remaining piece of a once-larger royal residence located near Tours.
A French king acquired the property in 1463 and made it his preferred residence, remaining there until his death in 1483. This royal occupation established the building as an important seat of power in the Loire region.
The castle now hosts a theater that stages regular performances and workshops for the community. This cultural use has transformed the place into an active part of local life.
Visitors can explore the castle grounds and join guided tours that explain construction techniques and architectural details. Plan time to walk around the site to appreciate both the structure and the theater activities.
This building introduced brick as a primary building material to the Loire Valley during the 15th century, marking a shift in construction practices. The innovative technique spread through the region and influenced how other structures were built in subsequent years.
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