The Castle Of Pierrefonds

In the South-Eastern edge of the forest of Compiegne (France) is the castle of Pierrefonds. This castle of intrigue, the walls of which during its relatively short history it has absorbed as many events as not every millennial castle will absorb. The founder of the castle was Louis of Orleans, in the early 15th векf built it on the site of earlier fortifications of the 11th century Construction was supervised by Royal architect Jean Le Noir and was completed after the death of the Duke of Orleans.





The next owner of the castle was françois-Hannibal d'estre, who, in collusion with the Prince of condé and joined the party "dissatisfied", doomed Castle in the siege and the wrath of cardinal Richelieu. As is known, the cardinal was a man of obstinate, and in 1617 the order was given to destroy the castle. From total collapse, the castle was saved its dimensions — a cardinal's troops were limited to the annihilation of the roof and outer fortifications.





In the future fate of the castle connects it with Napoleon I, who buys the land on which was located the remains of poor structures. And in the middle of the NINETEENTH century, on the advice nebezizvestnogo of prosper mérimée, Napoleon III decided to restore the castle and turn it into your pleasure Palace.





For the reconstruction works were attracted by the viola-Le-Duc, known for the restoration of Romanesque and Gothic architectural structures of the middle ages. The architect, no doubt talented, had their quirks and was famous for the fact that when working exclusively followed their own whim and idea of how should look the structure after restoration. Often the fact that he was built, even not recalled the original appearance of the structure. So, the plans Le Duke had to rebuild a few of the towers with residential apartments, retaining the "picturesque romantic ruins". However, the death of the architect prevented its grandiose plans, and the building up of the suffering of the castle took his apprentice to Urdu, it has a classic perception of architecture.





Many sympathizers shiftless life of the castle was among the artists. Thus, in the 60-ies of the 19th century Camille Corot writes the painting "the Castle of Pierrefonds". The pattern lock is what it has been throughout its existence — a witness to the next intrigue. But talent Corot, we did not beg. Just stating a fact. Anyway, the castle was restored and now welcomes thousands of tourists every year, talking about her sad but eventful life.

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