Château de Montguyon, Montguyon, France

Château de Montguyon, a powerful castle since the 11th century, was first mentioned in 1080. In 1404, Rosine de Montaut-Mussidan brought it as dowry to Guy II de La Rochefoucauld, and the La Rochefoucauld family owned it until its sale in 1683. The fortress played a role in history, such as being liberated by Dunois after the Battle of Montguyon in 1451. It served as a Protestant stronghold during the Wars of Religion and hosted notable figures like Henri de Navarre (future Henri IV) between 1571 and 1586. In 1621, King Louis XIII and Anne d'Autriche stayed at the castle.

In 1683, Pélagie de Rohan-Chabot acquired the barony, and it remained in the Rohan family's possession until the French Revolution. Struck by lightning in 1793, the castle became a ruin sold as national property.

Built on a rocky spur with remnants of a drawbridge, Montguyon Castle consists of a main building and a tower from the 13th century, modified in the 14th century. Originally reaching a height of 50 meters, the tower now remains in ruins after the 1793 fire. A section of the keep collapsed in 1982 due to an earthquake. Inscriptions of maxims have been discovered on the walls of the second floor.

Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

Charlie (14 months ago)
God place restaurant spans soun

Andrew Newsome (2 years ago)
Chateau closed. Check before you visit. Nice town to wander though and an Aire.

Jon Ingram (5 years ago)
Wet and drizzly when we visited but interesting all the same..

William Cooper (5 years ago)
Very interesting place

Fatima rosales naya (5 years ago)
Beautiful and interesting ruins with lovely views of the town below. Entry is free.

Château de Montguyon

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Kakesbeck Castle