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A little bit of history !!!
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Located in Charente-Maritime, in southwestern France, the castle of Saint-Jean-d’Angle is a medieval fortress listed as a Historic Monument. Its history dates back to the 12th century and is closely associated with the powerful Lusignan family and the legend of Mélusine, a mythical figure from medieval folklore.
Today, this historic castle welcomes visitors to a remarkable setting where history, legends and family-friendly activities come together. Discover the castle’s journey from its construction to its restoration, and prepare to step back into the Middle Ages.
A Medieval Fortress Built in the 12th Century
Around 1180, a stone fortress was built in Saint-Jean-d’Angle. Guillaume de Lusignan is traditionally credited with its foundation. The powerful Lusignan family, originating in Poitou, is closely associated with the legend of Mélusine.
Over the centuries, the castle witnessed many historical changes. From 1406 until the 17th century, it belonged to the Saint-Gelais family, a cadet branch of the Lusignan dynasty. The residential building added alongside the original rampart also reflects the architectural developments of the Renaissance.
These different periods make the castle a valuable example of medieval history and the evolution of defensive architecture.
Mélusine and the Lusignan Family
The legend of Mélusine holds a special place in the stories associated with the castle. This mythical fairy is traditionally linked to the Lusignan family and to medieval tales that have endured for centuries.
Combining historical heritage with legendary storytelling, the castle of Saint-Jean-d’Angle invites visitors to discover the world of medieval lords, knights and legendary figures.
→ To explore this fascinating story further, discover our page about the legend of Mélusine at the castle of Saint-Jean-d’Angle.
A Historic Monument Saved and Restored
By 1994, the castle had fallen into a serious state of disrepair. On 21 March 1994, it was officially listed as a Historic Monument by the French Ministry of Culture, recognising its historical and architectural importance.
On 30 December of the same year, Alain Rousselot purchased the castle with the aim of preserving it. Major restoration work began in January 1995, in collaboration with heritage authorities, and continued for six years.
In 2003, the quality of the restoration was recognised with two awards: the Grand Prix des Maisons Françaises and the Europa Nostra Award.
This revival helped preserve an important part of France’s heritage and made it possible to open the castle to visitors, combining historical discovery with an engaging visitor experience.
Visit the castle brought alive by wax models from the Musée Grévin (waxworks museum) and discover what life was like in a fortified castle. |
A little bit of history !!!
|
|
|
Located in Charente-Maritime, in southwestern France, the castle of Saint-Jean-d’Angle is a medieval fortress listed as a Historic Monument. Its history dates back to the 12th century and is closely associated with the powerful Lusignan family and the legend of Mélusine, a mythical figure from medieval folklore.
Today, this historic castle welcomes visitors to a remarkable setting where history, legends and family-friendly activities come together. Discover the castle’s journey from its construction to its restoration, and prepare to step back into the Middle Ages.
A Medieval Fortress Built in the 12th Century
Around 1180, a stone fortress was built in Saint-Jean-d’Angle. Guillaume de Lusignan is traditionally credited with its foundation. The powerful Lusignan family, originating in Poitou, is closely associated with the legend of Mélusine.
Over the centuries, the castle witnessed many historical changes. From 1406 until the 17th century, it belonged to the Saint-Gelais family, a cadet branch of the Lusignan dynasty. The residential building added alongside the original rampart also reflects the architectural developments of the Renaissance.
These different periods make the castle a valuable example of medieval history and the evolution of defensive architecture.
Mélusine and the Lusignan Family
The legend of Mélusine holds a special place in the stories associated with the castle. This mythical fairy is traditionally linked to the Lusignan family and to medieval tales that have endured for centuries.
Combining historical heritage with legendary storytelling, the castle of Saint-Jean-d’Angle invites visitors to discover the world of medieval lords, knights and legendary figures.
→ To explore this fascinating story further, discover our page about the legend of Mélusine at the castle of Saint-Jean-d’Angle.
A Historic Monument Saved and Restored
By 1994, the castle had fallen into a serious state of disrepair. On 21 March 1994, it was officially listed as a Historic Monument by the French Ministry of Culture, recognising its historical and architectural importance.
On 30 December of the same year, Alain Rousselot purchased the castle with the aim of preserving it. Major restoration work began in January 1995, in collaboration with heritage authorities, and continued for six years.
In 2003, the quality of the restoration was recognised with two awards: the Grand Prix des Maisons Françaises and the Europa Nostra Award.
This revival helped preserve an important part of France’s heritage and made it possible to open the castle to visitors, combining historical discovery with an engaging visitor experience.
Visit the castle brought alive by wax models from the Musée Grévin (waxworks museum) and discover what life was like in a fortified castle. |
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