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Origin and history

The castle of Lanrigan, located in the village of the eponymous commune north of Ille-et-Vilaine (Bretagne), has its origins in the sixteenth century, although its location has housed a feudal motte since the eleventh century, presumed work of the lords of Langan. The site, initially strong in the 14th and 15th centuries, preserves medieval remains such as an archaic pavilion and defensive system (mâchicoulis tower, covered niches). The major reconstruction of the 16th century concerned the eastern and southern facades, as well as the openings in the eastern pavilion, while the western facade was redesigned at the beginning of the 20th century. The castle now consists of two separate buildings, one east-west facing with a polygonal turret, the other with a west facade redeveloped in the 19th century with neogothic elements.

The architectural vocabulary of the castle is essentially flamboyant Gothic, visible in archvolts in braid, carved modillons, and triangular gables. The south octagonal turret, capped with pepper, and the loggia above the entrance door, decorated with vegetal motifs (chickens, florets), date back to the early 16th century. Originally, the estate belonged to the families of Lanrigan and Langan, then passed by successive alliances to Vendel (circa 1501), Bois-le-Houx, Bellinaye, and finally Fontlebon to the Revolution. The castle, registered with the Historical Monuments since 1973, protects its facades, roofs, a staircase with screws, a well, and a calvary.

The history of the castle reflects the social and architectural transformations of Brittany: first medieval fortress (XI-15th centuries), it becomes a Renaissance seigneurial residence (XVIth century), before aesthetic modifications in the 19th and 20th centuries. The waiting stones visible on the northeast tower suggest an inabouti gallery project, while the partial demolition of the house is at the end of the nineteenth century explains the current asymmetry. The site, open to the visit, bears witness to the evolution of tastes and local authorities, from feudal lords to noble families of the Old Regime.

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