Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Villeberny, located in the municipality of the same name in the Côte d'Or (Burgogne-Franche-Comté), finds its origins in the 15th century, with major transformations in the 16th century. It was originally linked to the Orge family, which owned part of it from the beginning of the 15th century and brought it together at the end of the 16th century. This castle, first ducal fortress under Hugues IV of Burgundy in 1256, became a symbol of seigneurial power after its exchange with Guillaume de Marey. Architectural changes, such as the 17th century main house and square towers flanking the court, reflect its evolution between defensive function and aristocratic residence.

In 1600 Edmée d'Orge, the last heir of her line, passed on the castle to her husband, Gabriel de Saint-Belin, whose descendants remained the owners of it until the end of the Ancien Régime. The site retains notable defensive elements, such as cannon guns and a tower equipped with corbelling latrines, although only one of the three original towers remains today. The castral chapel, founded in 1682, bears witness to the religious influence of the local lords.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1998, the castle includes in its protection the facades, the roofs of the communes, a well and the fence wall. Following its acquisition in 2020, renovations were undertaken to open the site to the public, marking a new stage in its heritage development. Its architecture, organised around a square courtyard and a low courtyard, illustrates the transitions between the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Burgundy.

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