Château-Vieux, Medieval castle in Bayonne, France
Château-Vieux is a fortified structure at the northern corner of Bayonne's ancient walls that incorporates three Roman towers within its square layout. The complex functions as a cohesive defensive system where the ancient towers form the core of the entire construction.
The fortress originated on the foundations of a Roman military camp from the 2nd century and received its current form after 1619 when Governor Antoine de Gramont directed its reconstruction. These modifications reinforced its defensive capability and adapted the ancient structure to contemporary military engineering standards.
The fortress shows how residents of Bayonne defended their city across different eras and how living spaces connected to military needs. Walking around the exterior, you can still see the different building phases that reveal how the town's requirements changed over time.
The fortress operates as a military facility and is not open for regular visits, but local authorities arrange special viewing sessions for visitors throughout the year. Checking ahead for these opportunities allows you to see the interior and understand its layout.
The Roman towers date back to an era when Rome controlled much of Europe, and these structures still function as part of the fortification system centuries later. The fact that construction from this distant period continues to serve a practical purpose makes the location stand out.
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