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Origin and history

Missery Castle, located in the Côte-d'Or department, is a monument dating back to the 14th century, with major transformations in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is characterized by a square structure flanked by four corners, surrounded by water moats. The main body of the castle connects two towers on a rectangular plane, forming a courtyard of honor between the facade and the other two towers. These houses a chapel to the south and a dovecote to the east, while a large driveway crosses the moat through a bridge to reach the village.

In 1752, Mr Suremain de Flamerans, then a member of Parliament, acquired the castle almost in ruins but decorated with beautiful paintings. It demolishes part of the old building, retaining only the four towers, and builds a new castle at the bottom of the mountain, offering a view of a picturesque valley. The estate then includes large courtyards, terraces, pleasant walks, and well-appointed ditches. Esseingey's fief, given to the priory of Bar in the year 1000, is also mentioned as a former hospice for regular canons.

Missery is historically linked to the abbey of Saint-Andoche de Saulieu, ceded in 721 by Waré, then probably passed to the church of Autun and to the Counts of Nevers. In the 14th century, Bertrand de Chazans was lord by his wife Charlotte de Charny. The castle changed hands several times, notably through matrimonial alliances, such as that of Jacquette d'Amboise with Louis de la Trimouille, or of Jean de Malain in 1491, whose family retained the fief until the 17th century. In 1659 Odette-Catherine de Malain brought the land to N. Bernard-Maillard de Marcilly, who took over his fief in 1737.

The village of Missery, described as a well settled parish, has about 400 communicants in the 18th century. The church of Saint-Michel, clean and decorated, is called Saint Michel, and a chapel of the God of Pitié was erected in 1768 by Étienne Morize, the last parish priest. The territory, marked by agricultural activities (froment, vineyards) and difficult roads, is also known for its calm and the absence of notable conflicts.

The castle, classified Historic Monument in 1981, retains remarkable elements such as the entrance gate, facades and roofs, two staircases with their wrought iron ramps, as well as rooms with painted woodwork. The moat, bridge and retaining walls, including the terrace balustrade, are also protected elements, reflecting the architectural and historical significance of the site.

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