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Origin and history

The château of Kérouzéré, built between 1425 and 1458 by John II of Kérouzéré, echanson of the Duke John V of Brittany, replaces a first castle attested since 1250. Built on an ancient castral mot, it incorporates defensive elements such as round towers, mâchicoulis and a crenelated round path. The site, originally equipped with a dungeon, was occupied by the Kérouzéré family as early as 1340, including Yvon, who crossed during the Seventh Crusade in 1248.

In 1457, Duke Arthur III authorized the fortification of the site, confirmed by ducal orders in 1459 and 1468 under Francis II. The castle, conceived as a courtine flanked by towers, loses its southwest tower and part of its south court during the siege of 1590 by the Leagues. Pierre de Boiséon, owner and supporter of Henry IV, resists with allies before surrendering after the use of a cannon borrowed from the lord of Tymeur. The king then compensates for the damage by compensation of ECU 45 000.

Ranked a historic monument in 1883, the castle passes into the hands of several noble families by marriage or sale, including the Boiséon (until 1682), the Poulpry, the Bréhant, and the Audren de Kerdrel. In 1912, it was acquired by the family of the Lande de Calan, still owner today. Olivier de La Lande de Calan, Mayor of Sibiril during the Second World War, undertook major restorations in the 20th century to preserve its medieval character, including the interior chapel and 17th century paintings.

The present architecture combines a L-house in granite stone, round towers with mâchicoulis, and a landscaped park with 15th century dovecote, wash, and aisle of plane trees. The estate, open to the public, also houses outbuildings classified as the farm and well. The moat, filled in the seventeenth century, and the pond, dried in 1856, testify to the successive changes of the site.

The castle plays a symbolic role in Breton history, especially as a stronghold during the Wars of Religion. Its successive owners, often linked to the local aristocracy, marked its evolution, such as Henri de l'Estang du Rusquec, Mayor of Sibiril and author of historical works on the site. Today, Calan's family organizes cultural events there, perpetuating its anchor in local life.

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