Château de Dissay
Description
The Château de Dissay is located in the Vienne department, in the town of Dissay, France. Built in the late 15th century by Pierre d'Amboise, Bishop of Poitiers, it replaced an older structure. It served as the bishops' residence until the French Revolution in 1793. In 1434, Bishop Hugues de Combarel was authorized by King Charles VII to fortify the site with towers, moats, gates, and ramparts.
During the Third War of Religion, Admiral de Coligny seized the castle in 1569; bullet marks remain on the north tower. The towers once served as prisons, and the Abbé de Saint-Cyran was held there.
After 1850, Count Fruchard restored the castle and church, incorporating stained glass and architectural elements from a nearby collegiate church. The central section was rebuilt between 1900–1905 by architect M. Ardion.
Description
The castle blends late Gothic and early Renaissance styles. It forms a large rectangular structure surrounded by moats, with two intact corner towers. Originally, a wooden drawbridge spanned the moat.
The entrance resembles that of Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, where Pierre d'Amboise was raised. Inside the keep are ornate stone fireplaces and a stone staircase.
From the original chapel remain some pillars and 15th-century wall paintings, including a depiction of King David. The bishop’s tomb was destroyed during the Revolution.
Gardens
The formal gardens include water parterres, vases modeled after those at Versailles, and lions from an Istrian villa. The park, inspired by or possibly designed by André Le Nôtre, features classic layouts: alleys, circular clearings, and geometric design.
A canal leads to a charming Louis XV-style pavilion once used as a music salon. A gracefully designed stone staircase also reflects Louis XV style.