Château de Thol, Medieval castle in Neuville-sur-Ain, France.
Château de Thol is a ruined castle situated on a hilltop near Neuville-sur-Ain with two square towers positioned at opposite corners of the structure. The complex has a four-sided layout measuring about 32 meters on each side and is surrounded by old trenches that are now dry.
The first written mention comes from the 14th century when Savoy granted the property to the noble Barthélemy de la Balme family. From there it passed through the hands of several noble families over the centuries, each reshaping the site in their time.
The name comes from a noble family that once held power in the region, and today hikers pass through to appreciate views across the surrounding valleys. The ruins themselves tell of medieval building methods through their stone forms and show how people of that era designed their fortifications.
The site is currently undergoing restoration and consolidation work that will continue until 2027, so expect ongoing maintenance and possibly limited access in certain areas. Sturdy footwear is important since the hillside is steep and the ruins have uneven surfaces.
Scientists use drones and laser measurements to create detailed three-dimensional models of the ruins and precisely evaluate their condition. These technologies help reveal hidden structures beneath vegetation and plan the best approach for future restoration work.
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