Greniers de César, Ancient granary in Amboise, France.
Greniers de César is a storage complex built into the hillside of Amboise that combines twelve chambers carved directly into the rock. These underground rooms worked together with four bell-shaped silos to preserve grain and supplies during the Renaissance.
Italian architect Dominique de Cortone oversaw the construction of this storage complex in 1548. The site later passed to the Minims religious order, which adapted it for their own supply needs.
The storage system represents the agricultural engineering methods of Renaissance France, featuring interconnected chambers and sophisticated ventilation designs for grain preservation.
The chambers are accessible only through guided tours organized by the Amboise Tourism Office. It is best to book in advance and be prepared for narrow, cool underground passages.
The bell-shaped silos connect through an upper corridor and a lower gallery that opens at ground level, creating an intricate network of storage spaces.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.