Château d'Ailly, Medieval castle in Bernières-d'Ailly, France.
Château d'Ailly is a stone manor with symmetrical design, featuring a central structure that connects two side wings. The building sits on extensive grounds surrounded by formal gardens and agricultural land.
The original manor was founded around 1050 by Robert d'Ailly and protected by walls and moats. Around 1721, Charles d'Aubert d'Ailly undertook major renovations that transformed it into its current appearance.
The castle reflects how French nobility designed their living spaces and shaped their estates, especially from the 18th century onward. The arrangement of its buildings and gardens shows what mattered to the residents and how they chose to present themselves to the world.
The property is located in Normandy in the Calvados department and holds official heritage status as a registered historical monument. Access may be limited as the site is under special protection, so it is wise to check ahead about which areas are open to visitors.
During renovation work in 1832, nine Bronze Age helmets were discovered on the property, now known as the Ailly helmets. This archaeological find reveals that the area was inhabited long before the castle itself was built.
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