Château de Brancion, Medieval fortress in Martailly-lès-Brancion, France.
Château de Brancion is a medieval castle sitting on a rocky hilltop between Tournus and Cluny, surrounded by strong defensive walls. The structure includes several buildings and towers that show different periods of construction and military design.
The castle was founded around 944 and served as the stronghold of the Brancion family for several generations. In 1259, it passed to the Dukes of Burgundy, marking a significant shift in regional power and control.
The chapel inside shows Romanesque style from the 12th century with religious frescoes painted on the walls in the 13th century. Visitors can walk through and see how this sacred space was decorated and used for worship over centuries.
The site is walkable from the nearby village of Martailly-lès-Brancion and gives visitors time to explore the ruins and walls at their own pace. Parking is available in the village, with a short walk up to the castle grounds.
Archaeological digs beneath the castle uncovered Bronze Age remains and Merovingian tombs, showing that this hilltop was inhabited long before the medieval fortress was built. These findings reveal layers of history hidden under the ground that visitors would not otherwise see.
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