Construction of the castle XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Period of construction according to available sources.
16 janvier 1991
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 16 janvier 1991 (≈ 1991)
Registration of facades and roofs by stop.
Fin XIXe - début XXe siècle
Transformations of facades
Transformations of facades Fin XIXe - début XXe siècle (≈ 2025)
Late architectural changes mentioned.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Façades and roofs of the castle including the main house body, the East Round Tower and the West Square Tower, excluding the east gable porch and the North Appentis; facades and roofing of the building known as the dungeon, excluding the adventitious construction of the South (see E 500): inscription by order of 16 January 1991
Key figures
Information non disponible - No characters cited in the sources
The source text does not mention any names.
Origin and history
The Château de Monteneaux, located in Lurais in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a typical example of rural fortified houses built at the end of the Middle Ages. According to local tradition, it would have served as a place of perception of the tithe for the bishops of Poitiers. The present building, dating from the 15th century, consists of two distinct buildings: a body of rectangular houses flanked by a square tower and a round tower, as well as a square dungeon overlooking the Anglin River. These elements reflect a hybrid architecture, mixing residential functions and defensive vestiges like fake mâchicoulis.
The structure is organised around a terraced courtyard, with operating buildings in the west. Some facades were modified between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, partially altering its medieval appearance. The castle embodies the transition between feudal fortresses and seigneurial residences, preserving military features while adopting a more domestic character. The elements protected by the 1991 Decree include facades, roofs of the house body, towers, and dungeon, excluding certain later additions.
Ranked Historic Monument in 1991, Monteneaux illustrates the evolution of noble habitat in rural areas at the hinge between the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Its strategic location near the Anglin and its dual vocation (ecclesiastical perception and defence) make it a major architectural and historical testimony of the region. The accuracy of its location is considered "very satisfactory" (note 8/10), and its official address is confirmed by the Mérimée database under the code Insee 36104 (Department of Indre).
