Château de Dourdan, Medieval castle and museum in Dourdan, France
Château de Dourdan is a 13th-century fortress with a square layout, three corner towers, and a central keep standing prominently above the walls. The complex is surrounded by ditches and displays typical medieval military construction with thick stone walls and defensive features.
The fortress was built in 1222 on orders from King Philip II Auguste to protect the roads between Paris and Chartres, replacing an earlier wooden structure. Over the centuries it served various purposes before becoming a museum open to the public.
The castle now contains a museum that showcases the area's history and how the fortress changed over different time periods. Visitors can explore exhibits about medieval military design and the role this stronghold played for the region.
The location is easy to reach on foot and allows visitors to explore both the exterior and interior of the complex. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes since the ground can be uneven and some areas require climbing stairs.
The fortress preserves rare details from the 13th century, including original defensive ditches and structures rarely found elsewhere in the region. These well-maintained features give visitors direct insight into medieval military engineering.
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