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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The royal castle of Amboise, overlooking the Loire at Amboise in Indre-et-Loire, was for centuries a symbol of royal power. Before joining the crown in 1434, it belonged to the powerful house of Amboise. During the Renaissance, he became a privileged residence for sovereigns such as Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I, who carried out ambitious architectural works there, mixing flamboyant Gothic and renaissant influences.

Charles VIII (1483–198) undertook major modifications, including the chapel Saint-Hubert, the royal wing and the cavalry towers. The chapel, a Gothic masterpiece, now houses the presumed remains of Leonardo da Vinci, who died in Amboise in 1519. Louis XII added a perpendicular wing, while François I, although preferring other residences such as Chambord, invited Leonardo da Vinci and continued the development.

The castle experienced a gradual decline from the seventeenth century onwards, serving as a prison for figures like Nicolas Fouquet or Abd el-Kader. Partially destroyed after the Revolution, it was restored in the 19th century by the Orléans family. The chapel of Saint-Hubert, the royal houses and the terraces, which bear witness to its past, still remain. Ranked a historic monument since 1840, it embodies the heritage of the Loire castles and their role in the history of France.

The architecture of the castle reflects its evolution: the royal house, of an international Gothic style, contrasts with the Renaissance elements of the Louis XII wing. The cavalry towers, like the tower of the Minimes, provided convenient access to the terraces. The Aumale Gallery, Renaissance gardens and richly furnished interiors illustrate its cultural and political importance.

Beyond its residential role, Amboise was the scene of significant events, such as the conjuration of 1560 or the captivity of Abd el-Kader in the 19th century. Today, the castle, owned by the Fondation Saint-Louis, attracts visitors for its history, its link with Leonardo da Vinci and its exceptional panorama of the Loire.

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