rebecca marsik& blake sizer. built in first years of the reign of francis i, began building in...
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Azay-le-Rideau
Rebecca Marsik& Blake Sizer
Built in first years of the reign of Francis I, began building in 1515 and finally finished in 1527
Foundation rises straight out of the water, built on an island in the Indre River Most remarkable feature is its central internal staircase
The chateau stands on an island in the River Indre, because it was originally chosen for a fort that protected the Tours to Chinon route.
In 1119 the lord Ridel d'Azay gave his name to the fort and surrounding village.
In 1418 an event took place that changed the fort into the chateau we so admire today.
Charles VII burned down the whole fort after being insulted by the Burgundian guard and he also executed 350 men.
You can visit the chateau and the seven rooms open to the public inside for €5.50.
The interior is a little disappointing compared to the magnificence on show outside, but as I told you grand staircase is very impressive.
The French state has owned the estate since 1905.
Throughout the centuries, the chateau has been passed down largely unchanged.