Château de La Bâtie-Seyssel, Medieval castle in Barby, France
Château de La Bâtie-Seyssel is a castle perched on a rocky outcrop at the base of Mount Peney, commanding views over a bend of the Leysse river in Savoie. The fortress is entered through three successive gateways, with the first retaining its original medieval pointed-arch design.
Built in 1469, the castle served as the seat of the Seyssel family's seigneurie until 1553. This period represented a significant chapter of feudal rule over the surrounding territory.
The chapel from the 15th century holds Roman mosaics from the 4th century that were brought from the nearby commune of Arbin, blending two distant time periods within its walls. This layering of ancient and medieval art reveals how the place connects different eras of human presence.
Plan to walk through three successive gates to reach the castle, and wear sturdy shoes as the rocky terrain can be uneven and steep. The hilltop position means the site is exposed to wind and weather, so dress accordingly.
The castle's position allowed control over an ancient Roman road that linked Savoy to Seyssel via Chambéry and the Bourget Valley. This strategic advantage made it a key point for monitoring movement through the region during medieval times.
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