Initial construction XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
*opus spicatum* wall and first fortifications.
XIIIe siècle
Base dungeon
Base dungeon XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Foundations of the square dungeon still visible.
XVe siècle
Partial reconstruction
Partial reconstruction XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Sum of dungeon and remodeled chapel.
10 juin 1932
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 10 juin 1932 (≈ 1932)
Protection of facades, roofs and underground.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Fronts, roofs and underground: inscription by decree of 10 June 1932
Key figures
Information non disponible - No name cited
Sources do not mention any key characters.
Origin and history
The castle of Mesvres, located in Civray-de-Touraine (Indre-et-Loire), retains architectural traces marked by its evolution between the 12th and 16th centuries. Its oldest foundations, dated from the 12th century, are manifested by thick walls in opus spicatum, a construction technique characteristic of medieval times. These structures were reused during the 15th century reconstructions, illustrating defensive continuity despite successive transformations. The site was listed as a Historic Monument in 1932, highlighting its heritage value.
The square dungeon, the central element of the fortress, has a visible stratigraphy: its base dates back to the 13th century, while its summit was redesigned in the 15th century. In the vicinity, the chapel — partly from the 13th but largely rebuilt in the 15th century — reveals a chimney attesting to subsequent residential use. Undergrounds, accessible by a third-point door, suggest the initial extent of the fortified enclosure, now partially erased. These remains testify to the military and domestic adaptations of the castle over the centuries.
The inscription in the Historic Monuments in 1932 specifically covers facades, roofs and undergrounds, protecting the most emblematic elements of the site. The precise address, 30 B Rue de la Vallée de Mesvres, and its Insee code (37079) anchor the monument in the territory of Indre-et-Loire, in the region Centre-Val de Loire. No information is available on any owners, sponsors or specific historical events related to the castle in the sources consulted.
