Château de Cénevières, Medieval castle in Cénevières, France
The castle rises from limestone cliffs above the Lot River, displaying Renaissance architecture with towers, terraces, and large windows spread across irregular buildings. The structure blends medieval fortification elements with elegant Renaissance additions that harmonize with the steep landscape.
The fortress was built in the 13th century and underwent transformations from the 14th to 16th centuries under the Gourdon family's influence during the Hundred Years' War. These changes reflected both the strategic needs of the time and the growing wealth and refined tastes of its inhabitants.
The castle holds ten furnished rooms displaying artworks from different centuries, including an alchemy cabinet with paintings depicting scenes from Ovid's Metamorphoses. These collections show how wealthy Renaissance families expressed their passion for learning and natural philosophy.
Visitors can explore the castle through 75-minute guided tours or 45-minute self-guided visits from April to November, with weekend openings from 10 AM to 6 PM. Comfortable shoes are recommended because there are many stairs and uneven surfaces to navigate throughout the interior.
The interior preserves Renaissance frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries depicting classical scenes such as Icarus in flight and the burning of Troy. These paintings reveal the owners' passion for mythological stories and their ability to commission renowned artists of their era.
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