Château Comtesse Lafond is situated in Epernay, on the prestigious Avenue de Champagne and whose symbol of quality and elegance matches the prestigious cuvées dedicated to Comtesse Lafond, ancestor of Baron Patrick de Ladoucette. Historically known as Chateau de Pékin, Chateau Comtesse Lafond is a majestic and unique site that has been honoring wine-making tradition since the 19th century.
Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1805-1873) had portraited the Comtesse Lafond as well as Queen Victoria and Elisabeth Empress of Austria as well as many other royal families of Europe. This portrait can be seen today in the castle’s main salon.
References:The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.
The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.
The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.