Château de Marouatte, Medieval castle in Grand-Brassac, France
Château de Marouatte is a castle in Grand-Brassac featuring two polygonal enclosures protected by four cylindrical towers that anchor its defensive design. A monumental dovecote occupies the lower courtyard, while a gallery with vaulted arches connects the two main structures together.
The castle originated in the 13th century under the Montagrier family and passed to the Chabot de Jarnac family in the 15th century. The French Revolution brought significant damage to the property, altering its structure permanently.
The preserved chapel inside displays Gothic style, and residential buildings around the courtyard show how people lived and worked here over time. These spaces give a sense of daily life in a fortified home that served both defensive and domestic purposes.
The castle remains in private ownership and is not open for casual visits without prior arrangement. Plan ahead and contact the owners directly if you wish to view the property, as it currently operates as a venue for events and holiday rentals.
The northern tower stands out with its machicolations, a defensive feature that projects from the wall to allow arrows and projectiles to be dropped below. This particular design shows how medieval builders adapted their structures to counter siege tactics of the era.
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