Château de la Guyonnière, Beaulieu-Sous-Parthenay, France

Château de la Guyonnière dates back to the 14th century, with later modifications in the 15th and 16th centuries while retaining a distinctive feudal appearance. It forms a quadrilateral with corner towers, one of which houses a dovecote. Access is through a fortified gate.

The gardens, accessible via a drawbridge forming a postern, are surrounded by deep moats and consist of nine medieval-inspired squares. These gardens feature a mix of flowers, vegetables, honey plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits, old roses, shrubs, and fruit trees.

The two-hectare gardens comprise a contemporary garden created in 1987 by landscape architect Alain Richet, respecting medieval spirit. Divided into nine themed enclosures beyond the castle's moats, it sits on the site of the 14th-century 'ouche,' forming an island surrounded by deep moats fed by springs. To access it, visitors cross the moats via a functional pedestrian drawbridge from a passage between the castle and its stables.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

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.

Mayeul Rocky (4 months ago)
@sylvianhusson, this is the principle of private priority The squire's son; lord of la guyonniere and la jartelle nevertheless makes it very easy to visit his room….

sylvain Husson (4 months ago)
beautiful castle, not open to the public. impossible to go around from the outside. impossible to see the garden...

Château de la Guyonnière

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Santa Maria in Trastevere