Château de Lusignan, Medieval castle ruins in Lusignan, France.
The Château de Lusignan is a medieval fortress in ruins perched on a high ridge with preserved foundations, defensive walls, and underground passages. A partially standing tower base and cellars cut into the hillside form the main surviving structures.
The House of Lusignan founded this fortress in the 10th century as a regional stronghold that saw use through the First Crusade and the French Wars of Religion. Military architect Vauban later made substantial modifications to its design.
The fortress is tied to the legend of Melusine, a water spirit who, according to local tales, built the stronghold as a gift to her husband. This myth remains deeply rooted in regional memory and shapes how locals view the site.
The ruins can be explored along marked paths that wind through the site starting near the village center. The terrain is uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is advisable for navigating safely.
After Vauban's reshaping in later centuries, the fortress served as a state prison where future French royalty was occasionally held. This dual role as both defensive stronghold and royal detention site shaped much of what visitors see today.
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