Château d'Angers
Angers, the capital of the historic province of Anjou, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Foremost among its many notable structures is the magnificent twin-spiraled Cathedral of Saint Maurice (12th-13th century) and the massive Castle of Angers (early 13th century), with its moat and soaring towers. Angers was once inhabited by fierce Celtic people who tenaciously opposed the Roman penetration.
The fortress of Angers, on a rocky ridge overhanging the river Maine, was one of the sites inhabited by the Romans because of its strategic defensive location.
In the 9th century the fortress came under the authority of the powerful Counts of Anjou, becoming part of the Angevin empire of the Plantagenet Kings of England during the 12th century. In 1204, the region was conquered by King Philippe II and an enormous château was built by his grandson, King Louis IX ("Saint Louis") in the early part of the 13th century.
The Château d’Angers, construction of which began in 1230 under (Saint) Louis IX, remained the visible seat of power for the Angevin kings throughout the medieval era. Although the English never beseiged the structure, it nevertheless functioned as a place of retreat during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453). Two entrances, complete with draw-bridges, allow for access. With the advent of seige cannon and similar technology châteaux like this one became unnecessary.
The religious wars later led to the decline of the castle and Henry III ordered it to be demolished in 1585. The cylindrical towers of the pentagonal stronghold began to be torn down and the conical roof and the upper part were dismantled. When Henry IV came to the throne the destruction came to a halt and Angers was the scene of the engagement of Cesar of Vendome with Francoise of Lorraine. It was restores in 1950.
In 1373, the King of France, Charles V, lent his brother Louis I, Duke of Anjou, the manuscrpt of an "Apocalypse in French fully illustrated and historiated: This inspired the Duke to commission "large tapestries of the story of the Apocalypse.
Today the castle of Angers houses a tapestry museum that includes the famous Apocalypse series of Nicholas Bataille who did the weaving and Hennequin de Bruges did the painting. It is 140 meters long.
Still a part of the French military, the chateau was severely damaged during World War II by the Nazis when a munitions storage dump inside the château exploded. Today, owned by the City of Angers, the massive, austere château has been converted to a museum housing the oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world, with the 14th century "Apocalypse Tapestry" as one of its priceless treasures. 
The fortress of Angers, on a rocky ridge overhanging the river Maine, was one of the sites inhabited by the Romans because of its strategic defensive location.In the 9th century the fortress came under the authority of the powerful Counts of Anjou, becoming part of the Angevin empire of the Plantagenet Kings of England during the 12th century. In 1204, the region was conquered by King Philippe II and an enormous château was built by his grandson, King Louis IX ("Saint Louis") in the early part of the 13th century.The Château d’Angers, construction of which began in 1230 under (Saint) Louis IX, remained the visible seat of power for the Angevin kings throughout the medieval era. Although the English never beseiged the structure, it nevertheless functioned as a place of retreat during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453). Two entrances, complete with draw-bridges, allow for access. With the advent of seige cannon and similar technology châteaux like this one became unnecessary.
The religious wars later led to the decline of the castle and Henry III ordered it to be demolished in 1585. The cylindrical towers of the pentagonal stronghold began to be torn down and the conical roof and the upper part were dismantled. When Henry IV came to the throne the destruction came to a halt and Angers was the scene of the engagement of Cesar of Vendome with Francoise of Lorraine. It was restores in 1950.In 1373, the King of France, Charles V, lent his brother Louis I, Duke of Anjou, the manuscrpt of an "Apocalypse in French fully illustrated and historiated: This inspired the Duke to commission "large tapestries of the story of the Apocalypse.
Today the castle of Angers houses a tapestry museum that includes the famous Apocalypse series of Nicholas Bataille who did the weaving and Hennequin de Bruges did the painting. It is 140 meters long.
Still a part of the French military, the chateau was severely damaged during World War II by the Nazis when a munitions storage dump inside the château exploded. Today, owned by the City of Angers, the massive, austere château has been converted to a museum housing the oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world, with the 14th century "Apocalypse Tapestry" as one of its priceless treasures.
posted by titzu at 3:20 AM
1 Comments:
The Chateau of Angers is one of the few Loire chateaux that actually looks like it served a military purpose. The massive walls and huge towers give it a formidable and sombre presence which makes an interesting contrast to the more graceful and somewhat effete chateaux like Chenonceaux, Chambord or even Blois. Angers is a lovely city which makes the contrast of the chateau all the more arresting. A must-visit!
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