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Founded: 1573Category: Castles and fortifications in Denmark
Historical period: Early Modern Denmark (Denmark)
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The estate known as Medelgård was first mentioned in 1345. The current castle dates from 1573; it was extended in 1873 and again in 1888-1891. Part of it has been converted to five private apartments. A farm building is being used as a restaurant.
The castle is owned by the Iuel family. The family moved back into the castle in the autumn of 2006 after its restoration following a devastating fire on 26 February 2003, which burnt through most of the roof and attic. The estate is of 2070 hectares, of which 543 are farmed and 1220 are forested.
References:Olargues is a good example of a French medieval town and rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It was occupied by the Romans, the Vandals and the Visigoths. At the end of the 11th century the Jaur valley came under the authority of the Château of the Viscount of Minerve. The following centuries saw a succession of wars and epidemics, and it was not until the 18th century that Olargues became re-established. This was due to the prosperity of local agriculture and artisanal industry.
The Pont du Diable, 'Devil's Bridge', is said to date back to 1202 and is reputed to be the scene of transactions between the people of Olargues and the devil. The old village is clustered around the belltower, which was formerly the main tower of the castle (Romanesque construction). The old shops have marble frontages and overhanging upper storeys. A museum of popular traditions and art is to be found in the stairs of the Commanderie.