Château d'Aubusson, Medieval castle ruins in Aubusson, France.
The Château d'Aubusson consists of remains of a medieval fortress on a rocky promontory, including a rectangular keep wall, adjoining fortifications, and the base of a 13th-century square tower. The ruins rise about 50 meters above the Creuse River, offering views across the town and surrounding landscape.
The fortress was built between the 10th and 13th centuries by the Aubusson Viscounts as a stronghold for the region. It was demolished in 1632 on Cardinal Richelieu's orders to prevent it from becoming a center of resistance against royal authority.
The stones from the demolished fortress were reused to build many houses in old Aubusson and the Terrade bridge. This material connection shows how the structure shaped the town's architecture for generations after its destruction.
The ruins sit on an elevated rocky point that is accessible on foot from the town, where you can enjoy views from multiple angles. The site is generally open to explore and requires no special preparations for a visit.
From 1885 to 1934, a museum operated inside the ruins, using the historical structure itself as an exhibition space. This creative use of the site offers an interesting glimpse into how people engaged with the remains during that era.
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