Château-musée de Boulogne-sur-Mer, Art museum in a medieval castle, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
The castle museum is a polygonal fortress with ten towers surrounding a central courtyard, combining medieval architecture with remains of Roman fortifications. The complex houses extensive collections including Egyptian antiquities, Greek ceramics, and artworks from various world cultures.
Count Philippe Hurepel built this fortress in 1231 as a strategic defense point against threats. The structure gradually evolved from a military stronghold into a cultural center and opened as a museum in 1988.
The museum displays Egyptian artifacts, Greek ceramics, and artworks from Oceania and the Inuit peoples. These collections reflect the city's commitment to preserving and sharing world cultures with visitors.
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the many stairs and towers, as the complex has multiple levels that require steady walking. Plan at least two to three hours to properly explore the collections and architectural features throughout the site.
Beneath the castle lie preserved remains of Roman fortifications from the 4th century, showing that this location served as a defense point since ancient times. These archaeological layers allow visitors to trace 2000 years of military history in a single location.
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