Medieval Castle of Montguyon

Built on a rocky spur, the origins of the castle go back to the 11th century, a period of proliferation of fortresses in Saintonge. Today, only the ramparts can give us an idea of the importance of the fortress at that time. The first mentions of the castle date back to 1082. The oldest parts of the present monument date from the 13th century. In the Middle Ages, Montguyon was the scene of conflicts, the castle had a defensive role and occupied a strategic position that was disputed by the French and English. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle was transformed into a comfortable and well-lit residence. The castle then suffered from the ravages of time and weather and was struck by lightning in 1793, which caused a fire. Abandoned by successive owners, it will gradually fall apart. The commune, which has owned the site since 1958, is working to restore the tower, knowing that it is a strong symbol for the people of Montguy. Free visit of the exterior of a 13th-century castle. You can listen to information about the castle of Montguyon directly from your MP3 player.