Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Dizimieu, mentioned in 1345 as a simple strong house, was originally composed of a lower room, a chapel, a kitchen and a vaulted cellar. In 1687, a detailed description revealed his medieval organization, including an oven and outbuildings. This fief belonged to the Martin de Dizimieu family, many of whom, like Louis, Hugues and Balathazard, participated in the Italian wars.

In the 18th century, the castle, in poor condition, was rebuilt between 1740 and 1773, but its defective foundations led to its destruction in 1780. The site, abandoned, then serves as a farm. After 1861, a partial restoration revived the ancient medieval castle, while the chapel of 1610, the burial place of the lords of Dizimieu, was preserved. The building was partially listed as a historical monument in 1988.

The castle is located in the north of the Isère department, near Lyon, on a hill overlooking the village. Its protected features include the two entrance pavilions and the East and West Towers. The family of Dizimieu, notably Caesar (the Knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit) and his son Jerome (Governor of Vienna), marked the history of the place until the French Revolution.

Access to the castle is via the 140th district road, close to motorways A432 and A43. The nearest railway station, Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV, makes it easier to travel to this iconic monument of Isère, mixing medieval heritage and modern transformations.

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