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Origin and history

The Château de Salles, located in Saint-Germain-de-Salles in the department of Allier, is a building built during the first half of the sixteenth century. It is distinguished by its trapeze-shaped base, initially flanked by four corners, of which only the south tower (old dungeon) remains today. Originally, the castle was surrounded by moat, later replaced by a fortified enclosure. It now consists of a main dwelling, including a central pavilion and the former dungeon, as well as commons connected by a portion of a tower.

The history of the castle dates back to the 13th century, when Jean de Bourgogne, husband of Agnes de Bourbon, acquired it around 1265. The name Salles would come from the term sala, meaning house or hotel. In the 16th century, the land passed into the hands of the Peschin family, which built the present castle there. Jacques and François du Peschin were the owners before Jeanne du Peschin, heir of the family, brought the estate to her husband, Blain de Chauvigny de Blot. The latter retained the seigneury until the eve of the French Revolution, when the castle was sold to the Delayre family in 1770.

The castle of Salles was listed as historical monuments on 24 January 1947. Its architecture reflects the transformations that have taken place over the centuries, including the partial disappearance of its corner towers and ditches. Historical sources, such as the works of Abel Peyronnet or the archives of the Merimée base, underline its importance in the local heritage of Bourbonnais, marked by noble families such as the Bourbons, the Peschin and the Chauvigny de Blot.

Land confiscated in 1523 by Francis I, the castle illustrates the political tensions of the time between the crown and the local lords. Its quadrilateral plan and defensive elements, although partially destroyed, demonstrate its strategic role in the region. Today, the site remains a typical example of Renaissance Bourbon castles, combining residential and defensive functions.

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