Château de Saint Vidal
|
|
|
This imposing fortress in the valley of the river Borne was the fief of the de la Tour de Saint-Vidal family.
Originally, in the 13th century, it was a fortified house which the Saint-Vidals extended in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was converted in the 16th century by Antoine II de Saint-Vidal, and adapted for artillery with a keep being added to the existing three towers ; a defensive wall was also built.
Antoine II de Saint-Vidal was appointed Governor of Velay and Gévaudan. As Head of the League he fought the protestants and rebelled against Henry IV who had Saint-Vidal besieged in 1591.
The castle has kept its feudal origins with its vaulted cellars and a pointed style kitchen with enormous fireplaces.
Renaissance windows, sculptured stone doorway, French-style ceilings, cross-arched vaulted gallery around the inner courtway - these are some of the more decorative characteristics ; and for more defensive purposes there are several loop-holes and oriels.
Listed Historical Monument.
|
Add this place to your selection
|
