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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Steenbourg, located in Steene in the Hauts-de-France, is a U-shaped regular plan building, characteristic of seigneurial constructions from the 16th to the 19th century. It is distinguished by its four octagonal turrets with polygonal roofs, as well as its asymmetrical sprockets: the right wing has a chanting sprocket, while the left wing, with redents, overlooks an elevated ground floor. This castle illustrates the architectural evolution of noble residences, combining defensive elements inherited from the Middle Ages and residential comfort of modern eras.

Built in the second half of the 16th century for a local lord — whose coat of arms adorn a beam on the ground floor — the castle has undergone major changes over the centuries. In 1900, an ambitious restoration changed the house body, with the addition of a porch in portico on the central courtyard and the destruction of the old gate with a carriage door. The same year also saw the construction of a concierge house. In the 20th century, the adjoining agricultural buildings were demolished, leaving only the castle and its moats, classified as Historic Monument in 1983 for their facades, roofs and the bridge over the ditches.

Protected elements, such as moats and their bridges, highlight the strategic and symbolic importance of this site. The castle, although partially renovated, preserves traces of its Renaissance origin, as evidenced by the still visible seigneurial coat of arms. Its history reflects the successive adaptations of a noble home to the needs and tastes of its occupants, while preserving its historical character. Today, the castle of Steenbourg remains a remarkable example of the castral heritage of the Hauts-de-France, marked by centuries of local history.

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