Castle of Fougères, Medieval fortress in Fougères, France
The Castle of Fougères is a medieval fortress situated on a granite elevation surrounded by the Nançon River, with thirteen defensive towers arranged in three separate fortified rings. The towers vary in height and shape, creating a complex defense layout that protected the castle from different angles of attack.
The castle was originally built in wood during the 11th century but was destroyed by Henry II of England in 1166, leading to its reconstruction in stone. This transformation into a stone fortress significantly strengthened its defensive capabilities and made it one of the region's most formidable military structures.
The castle served as a powerful symbol of regional authority and a gathering point for the defense of Brittany against neighboring threats. Visitors walking through the towers can sense how medieval communities relied on such structures for protection and governance.
The site is straightforward to navigate, with clearly marked pathways that allow visitors to explore the fortification from different angles and levels. Comfortable footwear is recommended because the granite hill has steep sections and paths can become uneven in places.
The castle houses a rare functioning medieval shell-keep mechanism from the 12th century that visitors often overlook during their tours. This engineering achievement reveals that medieval builders employed sophisticated techniques to maximize defensive space within the fortress.
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