Chateau de Castelnau-Bretenuox and L'eglise Saint-Maur, Martel

Gentle Friends thanks so much for your interest in my Trip through Perigord and the Dordgone Valley.  Today is another wonderful Cahteau and lovely Commune (town).  Chateau first.....

... Castelnau-Bretenoux has been a Monument Historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862.   Construction began about 1100 under Hugues, Baron of Castelnua, who built a wall around his manor.

The castle was enlarged several times between the 12th and 15th centuries, when it was necessary to adapt the fortifications to artillery.  It was taken by Henry the II of England in 1159, and returned to the Barons of Castelnau at the end of the Hundred Years war.  During the 17th century, the castle was improved in an esthetically and practical ways: large windows, richly decorated salons and a balcony of honor.

The castle fell into disrepair after the death of the last Castlenau in 1715.  In 1895 it was bought by Jean Moulierat, a singer with the Paris Opera Comique and also a collector of furniture and sacred artworks.  he undertook restoration and furnished the castle with his collections.  After his death in 1932 the castle was given to the state.  The rooms you see on tour are the ones restored and furnished by he and his wife.

... one of the many statues, this is of St Michael and the dragon....

.....one of the many sacred works of art that decorate the rooms....

...  a super fresco ceiling, this was a small sitting room off a bedroom....

...for some reason this chaise lounge really struck a chord with me, I took 2 photos of it......  go figure...

... this window was from the cathedral in Quimper, Normandy - where we vacationed last year...

... the courtyard of the chateau, it is so red due to the high iron content in the brick and stones used in construction.....

.... "La tour nord est" - the northeast tower...

..... looking out over the valley from the terrace on top of the tower..

....looking down into the courtyard....

.... inside the tower.....

.... another inside shot of the tower...

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... The Church of Saint Maur, Martel, listed as an historical monument in 1960, is a fortified church - these fortified churches dot the entire region an were built so that villagers would have a place of safety to go to when the English army came "calling" during the 100 years war.  The bell tower dates to the 16th century

..... the Romanesque tympanum dates to the 12th century, showing Christ in majesty...

.... the nave dates to 14th century....

... the window over the main alter showing the Passion of the Christ...

... isn't this a great door/gate!!.....

..... wrapping up Martel with a shot of the Main square, where they have weekly market.

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That's about all for today sports fans, thanks again for stopping by, do stop again!!

Take care,

edgar