Château d'Harcourt, Medieval fortress in Thury-Harcourt, France.
The Château d'Harcourt is a medieval castle in Normandy featuring nine round towers arranged around a polygonal structure. A deep dry defensive ditch encircles the fortress, emphasizing its former protective function.
Robert II d'Harcourt commissioned the initial stone fortress in 1170 after participating in crusades with Richard Lionheart. The construction replaced earlier wooden structures and evolved into a significant stronghold over the following centuries.
The castle displays Norman building traditions through its heavy round towers, which shaped the daily life of noble families over centuries. Visitors can observe the exterior walls today, which still convey strength and defensive capability.
Interior sections remain closed due to ongoing restoration work, though the exterior grounds are open for exploration. Wear comfortable shoes and plan time to walk around the surrounding terrain and defensive ditches.
In the 17th century, Marie Françoise de Brancas had three sides of the medieval structure removed to bring natural light into residential areas. This radical transformation remains clearly visible in the asymmetrical ruins seen today.
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