Château de Castelnou, Castelnou, France

From 990 AD, Château de Castelnou served as the administrative and military capital of the Viscount of Vallespir. Its irregular pentagonal plan follows the rocky outcrop on which it was built, this elevated position providing defence against enemy attacks.

The castle was taken by the troops of James II of Majorca en 1286, and again in 1483. Largely demolished in 1559, it was no longer restored or inhabited and deteriorated throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. At the time of the French Revolution it became the property of the commune. It was sold to Viscount Satgé in 1875 and, by 1900, had become again an elegant and habitable fortress. It was acquired in 1946 by Charles-Emmanuel Brousse who was married to Amy Elizabeth Thorpe, a famed American spy. Having been ravaged by a terrible fire, in 1987 it was sold and has since been restored.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Angus Kirby (13 months ago)
Very well preserved medieval village best viewed as approached layby on Right nice photos possible from here Village nice if pricey restaurants but atmosphere worth it esp in evenings

Victor Cadranel (14 months ago)
Went during a more relaxed time. Was enjoyable and friendly...

Inge Roelofs (14 months ago)
Very nice mediaval place but also very tourstic. Still worth a trip.

Tally (14 months ago)
Beautiful place!! Located on top of a mountain overlooking wonderful views. The village is very well preserved. Very small place for a short walk in the old streets. Worth visiting if you are in the area.

Leah WK (15 months ago)
Gorgeous small town with lots of shops and cafes. Great place to spend a day or two exploring.

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The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village. Settlement here began sometime between 500 and 200 BC. At the centre of the settlement is a stone tower or broch, which once probably reached a height of around 10 metres. Its interior is divided into sections by upright slabs. The tower features two skins of drystone walls, with stone-floored galleries in between. These are accessed by steps. Stone ledges suggest that there was once an upper storey with a timber floor. The roof would have been thatched, surrounded by a wall walk linked by stairs to the ground floor. The broch features two hearths and a subterranean stone cistern with steps leading down into it. It is thought to have some religious significance, relating to an Iron Age cult of the underground.

The remains of the central tower are up to 3.6 metres high, and the stone walls are up to 4.1 metres thick. The tower was likely inhabited by the principal family or clan of the area but also served as a last resort for the village in case of an attack.

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In the 9th century, a Norse woman was buried at the site in a stone-lined grave with two bronze brooches and a sickle and knife made from iron. Other finds suggest that Norse men were buried here too.

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