Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Thenissey, located in the municipality of the same name in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is an example of 18th century classical architecture. It is distinguished by its dual origin: a strong tower built at the end of the 14th century by the Poinceot family, then transformed into a modern castle between 1718 and 1736 by the Clugny family. The latter was erected inside existing ditches, incorporating defensive elements such as cannon guns and a round tower.

The estate, with an area of 350 hectares, consists of two castles located south of the village, in the major bed of the Oze. The primitive platform, probably polygonal or round, preserves traces of cunning and oblique buildings. The present castle, preceded by a courtyard with a vaulted dovecote, is still owned by the family of Tulle de Villefranche, heiress since the marriage of the widow of Charles Louis de Clugny with Joseph-Guy-Louis de Tulle in 1793.

Ranked historic monument by decree of June 12, 1944, Thenissey Castle illustrates the architectural and seigneurial evolution of Burgundy. Its main access, now to the west, reflects the successive adaptations of the site. Clugny's family, then Tulle de Villefranche's family, have marked its history, from the acquisition of the estate in 1663 to its contemporary transmission.

Protected elements include the entire castle, reflecting its heritage importance. The site, open to events and receptions, combines historical heritage and current usage. Its dovecote, ditches and cannons recall both its defensive past and its residential role over the centuries.

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