Château de Montlhéry

The Château de Montlhéry is a medieval castle located in the commune of Montlhéry, Essonne département, France.

History

• Ruins from various periods can be seen at the castle, most notably from the 10th to 14th centuries. The present 13th-century castle, with its prominent keep, succeeded an earlier foundation built from 991 to 1015.
• A gate tower protected the entrance on the opposite side of the ridge.

Architecture

The castle is a rectilinear pentagonal plan, featuring five surviving towers, one of which serves as the keep and forms the point of the pentagon. The larger tower stands out among the others and houses the keep.

A second court or bailey may have extended in front of the present gate, while a substantial chapel was reportedly located inside the presumed lower court.

Location

The castle is situated on Allée de la Tour in Montlhéry, France.

Historical Significance

• The Château de Montlhéry has played host to notable scientific experiments. The keep was connected with the measurement of sound by Pierre Gassendi, optical telegraphy experiments by Claude Chappe in 1794, and the measurement of light speed by Alfred Cornu in 1874.

Current Status and Use

The castle is currently state property and has been listed as a monument historique since 1840. Visitors can see the keep, well, moat, and curtain wall remains.

Heritage Status

The Château de Montlhéry holds heritage status, with its inscription date being 1840.

Visiting Information

Visitors can explore the castle's ruins, including the keep, well, and curtain wall. The castle is open to visitors.

Notable Features and Rooms

The castle features a prominent keep, gate tower, and chapel remains. Visitors can see the well and moat as well.