Presence of opidum XIe siècle (≈ 1150)
Former occupation of the site before the castle.
1er juillet 1632
End of the Turpin property
End of the Turpin property 1er juillet 1632 (≈ 1632)
Date of transfer of the castle.
XVe-XVIe siècles
Construction of the castle
Construction of the castle XVe-XVIe siècles (≈ 1650)
Period of construction by the Turpin family.
1857
A devastating fire
A devastating fire 1857 (≈ 1857)
Partial destruction, only two towers remain.
31 décembre 1993
Registration of the square tower
Registration of the square tower 31 décembre 1993 (≈ 1993)
Protection for historical monuments.
29 janvier 1996
Ranking of round tower
Ranking of round tower 29 janvier 1996 (≈ 1996)
Official heritage recognition.
2010
Confirmation to Leonardo da Vinci
Confirmation to Leonardo da Vinci 2010 (≈ 2010)
Scientific validation of architectural fatherhood.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Square tower (case AL 10): inscription by decree of 31 December 1993 - Isolated round tour (case AL 10): classification by decree of 29 January 1996
Key figures
Famille Turpin de Crissé - Historical owners
Possessors of the castle until 1632.
Léonard de Vinci - Suspected architect
Scientific attribution of the Tower Fortress.
Origin and history
The Château de Monthoiron, located in the department of Vienna in New Aquitaine, has its origins between the 15th and 16th centuries. It was originally owned by the Turpin de Crissé family until 1632. The site was already occupied as early as the 11th century by an opidum, reflecting an ancient occupation.
A devastating fire in 1857 reduced the castle to its two current towers: a square tower, in good condition, and a partially ruined round tower. The 15th century square tower houses a vaulted room decorated with 16th or 17th century murals. The round tower, probably from the 16th century, is distinguished by its three levels served by a spiral staircase.
The square tower has been listed as historical monuments since 1993, while the round tower, known as Tour-Forteresse or Poudrière, has been classified since 1996. Recent research attributes his design to Leonardo da Vinci, a hypothesis validated in 2010 by an international conference in Romorantin. This architectural paternity makes it a site of major scientific interest.
Today, the Château de Monthoiron, although partially in ruins, remains an architectural testimony of the medieval and Renaissance periods. Its towers, symbols of its prestigious past, attract researchers and visitors interested in its history and its presumed link with Italian genius.
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