Blois Castle

Castle of Blois proudly dominates the river Loire, passing through the town in the north central part of France. Besides that, Blois is one of the most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France, it is also an excellent model for the development of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.

The first fort at the place of today's palace dates from the eleventh century. At that time the Count Thibaud was the principal and was associated with the power in the region of Tibau and his family ruled in that part of France until 1230.

Blois then became the most important city in the region and the fortifications were built to protect it. Around the palace was the first independent barrier, which followed the line of the nose of which it was built on. Even today the remains of this fence can be seen.

Later the site of the old fortress Louis XII (1498-1515) and his wife Anna Brittany (1491-1514) started building a huge and luscious Renaissance palace. In the spirit of the French Gothic tradition stones were then placed as symbols with the initials of the owners of Blois.

Today in Blois is the famous royal residence in who was buried Catherine de Medici. Every Wednesday evening there is a performance held for English-speaking guests. Part of the landmarks of Blois are carved into the water rocks from the Roman Empire with a length of up to 529 m, St. Lomera, Bishops Palace and many fairy castles of the 16th century of which include the palace of the Duke of Giza and the castle-sur-Shomon Loire that, every year from mid June to mid October host the International Garden Festival.

Especially attractive is the bedroom of Catherine de 'Medici, who died in it. It impresses with its unique, amazingly beautiful frescoes and with its authentic furniture. Castle Blois hosted a lot for poetry competitions organized by Duke Charles d'Orlean (1394-1465), of whom was also a poet. In the archives he kept a large number of manuscripts from different authors.