Château de Saint-Priest, Medieval castle in Saint-Priest, France
Château de Saint-Priest is a fortified castle set on a hill with four towers, combining medieval architecture with modern glass additions for contemporary uses. The structure spans multiple levels and creates flexible spaces throughout the grounds.
The castle was built in the 14th century for the Richard family and passed to the Guignard family in 1645. The Guignards made significant improvements to the estate, including the design of surrounding gardens.
The west tower displays a carved salamander, the emblem of King Francis I, symbolizing divine protection during the French Renaissance. This carved symbol remains visible today and speaks to the royal connections of the estate.
The site is best explored during daylight hours, as natural light brings out the architectural details of the towers and structures. Plan adequate time to walk through the various levels and experience the full scope of the castle grounds.
Archaeological excavations in 1995 revealed Gallo-Roman remains beneath the castle, including a funeral stele from the 2nd or 3rd century. These discoveries show that the site was inhabited long before the medieval castle was built.
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