Historical Monument 2 novembre 1977 (≈ 1977)
Protection of fortifications and houses.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
All the remains of the enclosure including the towers, poternes, bastions and courtines; facades and roofs of the Renaissance house, the old chapel and the house of the 16th century called Marie Fouquet (cad. S 156, 160, 161, 367): classification by decree of 2 November 1977
Key figures
Aremberge - Founder of the castle
Wife of Guérech, initiator of the castral mot.
Guérech - Count of Nantes and Duke of Brittany
Mari d'Aremberge, linked to the foundation.
Origin and history
The castle of Ancenis came into being in 984, when Aremberge, the wife of Guérech (the county of Nantes and the Duke of Brittany), built a wooden castral motte on a terre dominating the Loire. This first building, surrounded by a ditch and a palisade, served both as a refuge for the population and as a strategic monitoring post, controlling military and economic flows on the river. Its geographical location quickly made it a key site for the region.
In the 15th century, the medieval fortress was strengthened with a complex access system: a chicane covered drawbridge and a arched vaulted gallery equipped with a harrow. These developments reflected the evolution of the defensive techniques of the time, while maintaining its role of river control. The castle was partially rebuilt or modified in the 12th, 14th and 16th centuries, including a Renaissance house and a chapel.
Ranked a historic monument on November 2, 1977, the Castle of Ancennis today protects all its fortifications (tours, poternes, bastions), as well as the facades and roofs of the Renaissance and 16th century houses (including the so-called "Mary Fouquet"). Owned by an association, it bears witness to nearly a thousand years of Breton and Ligerian history, from its foundation to its contemporary use (visits, rentals).
Announcements
Please log in to post a review