Château des archevêques de Narbonne, Medieval castle in Capestang, France.
The Château des archevêques de Narbonne is a fortified residence built in the mid-14th century to serve as the archbishop's seat, featuring Gothic windows and machicolated defensive walls. The structure is organized around a central courtyard, with storage rooms and a grand hall that remain visible today.
The residence was built between 1347 and 1375 by Archbishop Pierre de la Jugie, a significant religious leader of the time, to demonstrate the wealth of the Narbonne archdiocese. This construction marked the archbishop's growing influence in the region during the medieval period.
The painted ceiling in the main hall shows the evolution of medieval decoration during the 15th century, with plant and geometric motifs that reveal artistic preferences of that era. These decorations remain visible today and offer insight into the taste and resources of the archbishop's household.
The site is accessible by foot through Capestang's historic town center, and the facade is visible from the street. Visit during daylight hours for the best view of the architectural details and interior spaces.
The wall paintings in the main hall were created over different periods of the Middle Ages, revealing how the building was continually refined across generations. These layers of artistic decoration tell the story of how successive archbishops left their mark on the residence.
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