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Origin and history

The château des Griningenières, located in La Chapelle-d'Aligné in the Sarthe, finds its origins at the beginning of the sixteenth century with the construction of its central body. This primitive house, rectangular in shape flanked by croup roof wings, illustrates Renaissance architecture with its bossy limestone bays and characteristic staircase. Medieval remains found in basements suggest an earlier occupation, although not documented.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the castle underwent significant enlargements: the main body was doubled in depth, a chapel (dated from 1713) and a pavilion in the park were added, while the interiors were enriched with panelling, fireplaces and painted decorations. These transformations reflect the evolution of tastes towards classicism, while preserving Renaissance elements. The chapel, destroyed around 1990, and the partial dismemberment of the park in the 19th century testify to subsequent alterations.

The facades, roofs and the living room and staircase have been protected since 1994 as historical monuments. The conical roof well in front of the house and the commons covered with flat tiles complete this architectural ensemble. Although its history remains partially incomplete, especially for the medieval period, the 16th and 18th century construction campaigns make it a remarkable example of the evolution of the Sarthian castles.

The estate, acquired in 1657 by an unnamed owner in the sources, could have been partially rebuilt by that date, as some interior elements (stairs, vantals) attest. The absence of specific archival documents, however, limits the knowledge of sponsors and artisans who have worked on the site.

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