Castle Amboise, France: description, interesting facts, reviews and excursions

The small French town of Amboise (Amboise) is located in the department of Indre and Loire in the central part of the country, on the Loire River. The population of the city is about thirteen thousand people.

From the history of the city

For the first time the settlement is mentioned in historical chronicles of the times of the Frankish king Clovis I, who negotiated in 504 with Alaric I (Visigothic ruler) on the island of Golden Lake. Since the 9th century, a small settlement in the ford has passed into the possession of the Amboise family. Representatives of the clan strengthened this place, erecting a donjon here - a central tower with internal chambers.

In the second half of the XV century, the town became the property of King Charles VIII, who was born in these places. At it the castle of Amboise turned into a real architectural masterpiece.

The city's attractions

The town of Amboise is famous not only for the royal castle. Next to the main attraction of the city is the medieval castle of Clos-Luce, famous for the fact that the great Leonardo da Vinci created here. Now here is the museum of the world famous Italian. In addition, the interest of tourists is caused by Shantelu's eighteenth-century pagoda (XVIII century) of the Duke of Choisyol, built on the shores of an artificial semicircular reservoir, late Gates with a carillon and town hall (16th century). In the municipality of Aboaz, historical artifacts are kept, for example, a pistol from which Pushkin was wounded in a duel.

Castle Amboise: history

The white-stone majestic castle was erected in the 16th century. He played the role of a defensive fortress. Its owners (the Amboise family) lost the castle after being charged with the betrayal of the king. The castle of Amboise passed at first to the state treasury, and later Charles VIII made it a royal residence. At the same time began its restructuring. A chapel was built, decorated with patterns resembling stone lace, the wing of Charles VIII appeared, two towers were built - the Franciscans and Gyurto. Near the castle was a splendid park. A garden with fountains and sumptuous flower parterres was created by the talented gardener Mercolgiano.

The young king was a fan of Italian culture. To complete the work, he invited the Italian architects Domenico and Giocondo da Cortona. They were the first to bring the culture of the Renaissance to France. It must be admitted that the castle of Amboise in those days was mostly decorated in the Gothic style.

Palace under Francis I

Charles VIII died suddenly in the castle of Amboise at a very young age. According to historians, he hit his head hard on a too low lintel, and died of the injury. He was only twenty-eight years old. His successor was Louis XII, who continued to beautify the palace, but the real heyday of the castle Amboise reached with his son - Francis I, who was the recognized patron of science and the arts.

He collected famous masters in France. At his invitation, Benvenuto Cellini responded. In 1515, Leonardo da Vinci was invited here. He settled in the estate of Clos Luce near the royal castle. The master brought with him from Italy unfinished work, among which was the Mona Lisa. In Clo-Luce, the painter finished work on masterpieces. Here he lived for three years, the last in his life.

The castle of Amboise (France), with the Master's estate, connected a secret underground passage. Francis I was very fond of spending the evenings in the company of the artist, talking with him about life and about art. The great master died in 1519. He was buried in Amboise, in the church of St. Florentine.

The remains of the great artist were disturbed in the troubled times of the revolution. The rebels practically destroyed the temple, and the grave was defiled. During the years of the French Revolution, the main part of the castle was looted and destroyed. Here, barracks were set up, a button factory was opened. Ruthlessly plundered royal treasures. To stop this mess, the remaining parts of the castle of the Third Republic were transferred to the possession of the Orleans House.

To restore the castle much did the Duchess of Orleans. It, in fact, revived the castle and restored almost all of its grounds. Her son, the future King of France Louis-Philippe, after the death of his mother acquired in the neighborhood of the castle 46 houses. He planned to demolish the "superfluous" buildings and free the territory in front of Amboise.

St. Louis Foundation

In 1974, the castle was handed over to the foundation. He is led by Count of Paris. Immediately after the end of the Second World War, the palace began a large-scale restoration work, which is still ongoing. Thanks to the efforts of the fund's staff, the internal gardens of the complex are in excellent condition.

For visitors, fascinating excursions are carried out here, traveling through mysterious underground caves of the castle. Especially many people wishing to visit the night walks. Especially for them the designer Yukijung developed a delightful light show with a laser projection, video and audio effects.

Castle Amboise: description of architecture

The architectural features of the Renaissance are harmoniously intertwined in this structure with the traditions of the Middle Ages. According to experts, all the castles of the Loire (Amboise, among others) are of great interest to researchers.

Entering the fortress and climbing the ramp, tourists get to the terrace, fortified by a wall, which offers a magnificent view of the Loire Valley and the city. Here you can see the Saint-Hubert chapel, which is adorned with magnificent sculptural compositions. In it lies the ashes of the great Leonardo da Vinci.

Rising on the roof of the Knight's Tower, you can see the residence of Charles VIII. The balcony of the third floor is the "balcony of the hanged" from which Valois was looking at the execution of the Protestant conspirators. At the end of the inspection, you can climb the spiral staircase to the upper floor of the Minim tower. Its diameter is 20 meters, and its height is 40.

Indoor facilities

Anyone can visit the magnificent castle as part of the excursion group, which is accompanied by a professional guide. Description of the castle Amboise does not give all the fullness of the sensations from visiting this wonderful structure. Nevertheless, we suggest you make a virtual tour of the inner chambers of the palace.

The decoration of the interiors of the castle was greatly contributed by the famous Flemish artists. For the rooms tapestries were delivered from Flanders, and from Turkey - carpets. Passing inside the castle, tourists first enter the hall of the Guard, decorated with a gothic trunk, a buffet and carved benches. Milan's armor is presented in the hall of the noble guard, which are decorated with many coats of arms. On the pediment are statues of prayers of Anna Breton and Charles VIII. In the southern and northern transept there are fireplaces, designed for the convenience of royalty.

Castle - Palace in Amboise has several magnificent halls. In the hall of drummers, which was intended for musicians who once played in the stands, you can see the magnificent Flemish handmade carpets created in the 16th century.

The Hall of Meetings with its Gothic arches is adorned with lotus flowers and ermine tails - attributes of the power of France and Brittany. Here you can see portraits of Louis XIII and King Henry IV.

The hall of Esanson (a servant who served drinks to the king) is interesting with exquisite tapestries of Aubusson and carved furniture.

The bedroom of Henry II is decorated in a classic Renaissance style. There is a huge bed, decorated with four columns, and skilfully made furniture.

In the bedroom of François I there is furniture of different styles, but a narrow table made of mahogany with drawers, as well as chairs with openwork beams, is especially interesting.

In the music salon you can see the grand piano "Erar", a table with chairs and a secretary. On the walls are portraits of the royal family.

Contacts

The historical and architectural complex is located at: Mont e Abdel-Kader, 37403 Amboise, France. Phone for information: + 33 2 47 57 0098.

How to get there?

If from Paris you go on a trip by car, then you should go along the highway A10 to Ambrose. Drive 15 km along the D31 and then take the N152. If you prefer public transport, then from the station Austerlitz you should take the train to Amboise. Trains run five times a day. The road takes you three hours.

Reviews

All those who wish to visit the castle of Amboise, the contact details of the complex can be found in our article. Many have already traveled and visited this small town. The bulk of tourists who visited the castle of Amboise, on their trip find only positive moments. The magnificent architecture of the ancient building, rich history, which is interesting to tell tour guides, well-groomed territory and the park are impressive. The interiors of the palace are beautiful.

The disadvantages of tourists include a large number of visitors (especially on weekends) and the lack of a good car park.