Château de Jonzac, Medieval castle in Jonzac, France.
Château de Jonzac is a stone castle featuring two prominent towers and defensive structures including a drawbridge and crenellations overlooking the Seugne River from its elevated location. The fortress rises above the surrounding terrain with thick walls and fortified walkways along the ramparts.
The castle first appears in written records dating to 1073, but suffered heavy damage during the Hundred Years War and underwent major reconstruction by 1449. The rebuilt structure from that era largely defines its appearance today.
The north wing houses town hall offices today, while the south wing has served as administrative offices for the sub-prefecture since 1846. This dual function makes it a working center for daily civic life rather than merely a historical artifact.
The castle has undergone extensive restoration work since 2022 focusing on preserving its facades, rampart walkways, and decorative stone elements. Visitors may encounter ongoing construction activity or temporarily restricted areas during their visit.
In 1659, King Louis XIV visited the castle along with his mother and Cardinal Mazarin, a rare mark of royal attention at the highest level. This visit remains one of the most notable moments in the site's history.
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