Château de Rochechinard, Medieval castle in Rochechinard, France.
Château de Rochechinard is a castle standing on a limestone cliff at 600 meters altitude, with three distinct structures aligned from south to north along the rock formation. The complex features various architectural components that fit into the topography of the promontory.
The lords of Royans built this castle in the 12th century, and the Alleman family then transformed it significantly during construction work in the late 15th century. These changes altered both its appearance and function considerably.
The castle served as a prison for Prince Djem, brother of Ottoman Sultan Bajazet II, during the winter of 1483-1484 under Charles Alleman's watch. This episode links the French monument to Ottoman history in an unexpected way.
The castle is private property and cannot be visited from the inside, but its exterior is visible from paths in the area. It is protected as a French historic monument and remains accessible from the outside year-round.
The artillery tower has walls three meters thick with strategically positioned shooting holes that demonstrate defensive strength. Inside the circular tower are both a water cistern and a bread oven, showing how residents prepared for extended sieges.
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