Chateau Gaillard
Chateau Gaillard stands on a hill very domineering with its 90 m height above the surrounding green areas in the French region of Les Andelys. From the highest hill Gaillard Chateau offers a magnificent view of the area in which the scenic offers views of the River Seine. Today, once an impressive fortress, Gailllard has sank in ruins, but has still managed to preserve much of what had impressed during the medieval years and even beyond.
The history of Chateau Gaillard began in the 12th century, when Normandy was the scene of regular clashes between the kings of France and England. A peace treaty between the two mighty empires was signed in early 1196 by Philippe Auguste and Richard the Lionheart.
As a result of the signed peace the French king gave into the hands of the English major, strongholds including - Vernon, Gaillon and Gisors.
Nicknamed the King of England, he was given a recognition of courage during the Crusades. Richard the Lionheart then lays the foundation for Chateau Gaillard in 1196 when he became Lord of Normandy. The construction of the castle was quite expensive for its time, but most of the fortress was built for a very short period. It only took two years until the powerful structure of the Chateau Gaillard appeared on the hill.
Gaillard had a complex which was innovative for its time as the structure was built on the principle of the concentric fortifications. This is one of the earliest European castles, which include pinnacles in their architectures. Chateau Gaillard supported three runs which were separated by the protective moats. During the 100-year war, Gaillard saw a lot of changes, but in 1449 it was finally passed into French hands.
In 1599 French King Henry IV ordered the Chateau Gaillard to be destroyed, although this time the stone construction of the castle was now in ruins. The reason for this commandment is that Gaillard was regarded as a threat to the security of local populations.
Today Chateau Gaillard was declared part of the list of historical monuments, drawn by the French ministry. The outer fortifications of Gaillard are open for public visits throughout the year, but the inside of the chateau is only open to the public from March to November.
