Château

The Château is a ruined castle located in Saint-Cyprien, France.

History

• The site of the Château has been inhabited continuously since the Celtic epoch. The castle was built on the site of an oppidum of the Gauls and was first documented in 1029, in a charter at Saint-Cyprien de Poitiers.
• It belonged to the Beaumont-Bressuire family until the start of the 16th century.
• In 1441, Jacques de Beaumont became Seigneur de Bressuire. He converted the castle into a beautiful residence, and from this time date the large building closing off the courtyard, featuring mullion windows, splendid granite chimneys in the private rooms, and an elegant gallery.
• The castle subsequently belonged to a number of families but its maintenance was ignored.

Inscription

In 1876, the building partly collapsed. The Bernard family bought the castle the same year.

In 1880, a neo-Gothic château was built in the castle court, set back in relation to the former building.

The castle was acquired by the commune in 1975 and has been listed since 1996 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Architecture

• The Château is a fine example of medieval military architecture. The visible remains date essentially from the end of the 12th and the start of the 13th century.
• The fortress included three enceintes, of which the outermost has now disappeared.
• The castle features an impressive layout with 38 towers circling the first fortress, itself defended by eight towers.

Location

The Château is located on Route de Bergerac in Saint-Cyprien, France.

Current Status and Use

The Château has been acquired by the commune since 1975. While it remains a popular tourist destination, its current use is primarily as a historical site and monument.

Heritage Status

The Château has been listed since 1996 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Visiting Information

• Visitors can access the Château by visiting the commune's website or contacting local tourist information offices.
• The castle is open to the public, although some areas may be restricted due to conservation efforts.

Notable Features and Rooms

• The Château features several notable rooms, including those with mullion windows and splendid granite chimneys.
• The private gallery is also a notable feature of the castle's architecture.