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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Crémieu Castle, also known as Château Delphinal or Château Saint-Laurent, is a military building built in the 12th century. It is located on the hill Saint-Laurent, overlooking the medieval city of Crémieu, in the department of Isère. This strategic site offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding hills, such as Saint-Hippolyte. Although private property and not open to visitors, a balcony place accessible to walkers allows to admire the landscape and remains of the castle.

The first castle was erected in the 12th century and rebuilt from 1282 by the Barons of La Tour and the dolphins of Vienna. The current remains, including a round merlon tower and walls on the south and west side, date mainly from the thirteenth century. An adjoining chapel with a bell tower also remains. Partially restored in the 1930s, the castle was listed as historic monuments by decree of April 14, 1943, thus recognizing its heritage value.

Cremieu Castle illustrates the medieval defensive architecture of the region. Its dominant location and its preserved elements, such as the tower and ramparts, testify to its historic role in protecting the village. Although its access was restricted, its inscription as a historical monument in 1943 ensured the preservation of this emblematic heritage of Isère and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

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