Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Prémery, located in the village of the same name in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, finds its origins in the early 12th century with the construction of its current platform. However, it was in the 16th century that the house was rebuilt by order of the bishops Jean Bohier and Jacques d The site, which is quadrangular and surrounded by courtesies connecting four towers of angle, still retains defensive elements such as a fortified porch and cannons, although some parts disappeared after a fire in 1863.

In the 17th century, the castle was partially abandoned to the benefit of the castle of Urzy, a new episcopal residence closer to Nevers and considered more modern. Despite this, architectural changes persist in the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the addition of a tower to the classical decor. The monument, registered with the Historical Monuments in 1927, has been restored between 2002 and 2011 by volunteers of the Association Buildings Histoire et Architecture Médiévales.

The castle has marked defensive and residential features: a 16th century house body, a hexagonal staircase turret surmounted by a corbelled room, and damaged coats of arms dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. These coats include those of the Deffend, Brichanteau (Marquis de Nangis) and Montigny (Montigny) families. The remains also include a vaulted cellar of the primitive house, connected by a staircase carved in the thickness of the walls after 1510.

The entrance porch, an iconic element, has undergone major transformations, but retains architectural details such as a low arch under a third-point arch, and three shields under a double laminate strip. The north facade, redesigned over the centuries, still shows traces of the round road and the mouldings of the 16th century. These elements illustrate the evolution of the castle, both episcopal fortress and seigneurial residence.

The property, now belonging to the commune of Premery, bears witness to the history of the bishops of Nevers and their regional influence. The vestiges, such as the undecorated chimney in the northeast tower or the partially abrased creeks, recall its defensive and residential role. Recent restoration works have preserved this heritage, while highlighting its hybrid architecture, mixing medieval and classical.

External links