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Origin and history

Thizy Castle was founded in the 13th century by the foundation of a mansion-prieured by Moutier-Saint-Jean Abbey. The current cellars date from this period. In the 14th century, the residence of the prior was transformed into a square dungeon, integrated into a quadrangular enclosure near the parish church. This first dungeon, not defensive, was accessible by a staircase in polygonal turret and crowned with mâchicoulis (now disappeared). The defense of the front door was based on a simple assumption, without trace of a drawbridge.

At the beginning of the 15th century, the enclosure was enlarged to form a quadrilateral of 40 metres. A cylindrical tower is erected at the southwest corner, with thick walls (2.70 m), four vaulted levels and a mâchicoulis parapet. This tower, habitable thanks to its chimneys and windows, replaces functionally the original square dungeon. At the end of the 15th century, a third square tower was added to the northwest corner, pierced by gunners, reflecting the evolution of artillery. The interior buildings are then remodeled with gable windows and gable windows.

The 16th century saw the addition of a square pavilion at the northwest corner, covered by a limestone pyramid. The castle, partially destroyed during the Revolution (especially the seigneurial house), was restored in the 19th century by the Montarlot family, which faithfully reconstructed certain parts. Among the remarkable elements remain a 12th century Gothic pantry (bewitched over 16 meters, adorned with carved capitals), a chapel made of rudimentary materials, and monumental chimneys. The site, registered with the Historic Monuments in 1974, is today a private condominium still inhabited.

The architecture of the castle illustrates the transitions between religious functions (prieuré), military (donjons, canonières) and seigneurial (logis, wine cellar). The wine produced on site in the Middle Ages was known until the court of Francis I. Defensive systems, such as mâchicoulis, murderers and the 38-metre round road, are evidence of adaptations to the conflicts of each era. The round tower, with its cannons and its pierced vault to evacuate the smoke, embodies the adaptation to firearms in the 16th century.

The castle also keeps traces of daily life: a well in the courtyard, stone benches near the sill windows, and slots equipped with hooks to hang wooden shutters (huchettes). The octagonal tower (the Guette) offers a spiral staircase of 120 steps leading to a panoramic view. The restorations of the 1960s, led by Maurice Saviz, preserved the large rooms of the northeast dungeon, with their chimneys and cushions. Today, some of the venues host contemporary art exhibitions, combining heritage and creation.

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