When was Château de la Marthonye built?

The present-day château was constructed in the late 15th century, though it stands on earlier foundations dating from around the 13th century, when the site guarded the region for the viscounty of Limoges.

Why was the château enlarged in the 17th and 18th centuries?

Following the Wars of Religion and 17th century damage, a new residential wing was added to the original fortress, partly replacing damaged medieval structures.

What are machicolations?

These are projecting defensive galleries at the top of fortifications, allowing defenders to protect the base of the walls. Here they crown the square and round towers of the 15th century structure.

Château de la Marthonye

Marthonye Castle

Saint-Jean-de-Côle

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Saint-Jean-de-Côle

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château de la Marthonye stands in Saint-Jean-de-Côle (Dordogne), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 18th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Located in Saint-Jean-de-Côle in the Dordogne, Château de la Marthonye is protected as a historical monument. Built in the late 15th century atop an earlier stronghold, it exemplifies Renaissance military architecture as practised in Périgord, later enlarged with domestic wings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The original structure combines a rectangular main body with square towers and a round tower crowned with machicolations, designed to withstand armed bands and raids. Over the following two centuries, additional residential spaces were adjoined with arcaded galleries and refined architectural details.

What to know

The château was primarily built in the late 15th century, with 17th and 18th century additions that altered its original form.
The fortress guarded the region between Thiviers, Brantôme and Nontron during an era of frequent armed bands and pillaging.
Part of the original castle was destroyed by the English and subsequently rebuilt according to later tastes and standards.
The square towers and round tower crowned with machicolations are the most distinctive defensive features of the monument.

Where this château is

Saint-Jean-de-Côle · Dordogne · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de la Marthonye

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Saint-Jean-de-Côle, Dordogne

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00082845
Period of construction: 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 18th century

Itineraries

Frequently asked

When was Château de la Marthonye built?: The present-day château was constructed in the late 15th century, though it stands on earlier foundations dating from around the 13th century, when the site guarded the region for the viscounty of Limoges.
Why was the château enlarged in the 17th and 18th centuries?: Following the Wars of Religion and 17th century damage, a new residential wing was added to the original fortress, partly replacing damaged medieval structures.
What are machicolations?: These are projecting defensive galleries at the top of fortifications, allowing defenders to protect the base of the walls. Here they crown the square and round towers of the 15th century structure.