Château de Bellenaves, Medieval castle in Bellenaves, France.
Château de Bellenaves is a medieval castle in the small town of Bellenaves featuring preserved walls from the 13th century, a main tower, and sculptural details from that same period. The building also displays mullioned windows from the 15th century that reflect different phases of construction and architectural evolution.
The castle was built in the 13th century by the Jehan de Bellenave family on top of foundations from an earlier 11th-century structure. That earlier structure itself was based on remains of a Gallo-Roman villa, showing how the site remained important across the centuries.
The castle served as a refuge during World War II for precious artworks and stained glass from famous churches that needed protection from destruction. This role reveals how important the building was for safeguarding the region's artistic treasures during difficult times.
The gardens are accessible to visitors during the summer season and open on certain days of the week, with guided tours available by reservation. Plan your visit in advance and check specific opening times and conditions before you arrive.
The entrance displays a coat of arms bearing initials that commemorate a marriage from the late 15th century, surrounded by symbolic decorations that reveal details about the family who lived there. These personal marks offer insight into the people who shaped the castle during that era.
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