When was Morthemer Castle restored ?

The main restoration took place around 1865, conducted by architect Émile Boeswillwald.

How old is the smaller castle really ?

It likely dates from the 17th century, though the 19th-century architect gave it a more ancient appearance.

Does the castle retain original medieval defensive features ?

The crenellated parapet and machicolations at the summit were entirely recreated in the 19th century; the buttresses and general structure of the keep itself are original.

Château de Morthemer

Morthemer Castle

Valdivienne

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Valdivienne

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Morthemer stands in Valdivienne (Vienne), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: second half of the 19th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Morthemer Castle, located in Valdivienne, has been attested since the 10th century. Its quadrangular keep dates from the 14th century; the smaller castle beside it likely originates from the 17th century. Around 1865, architect Émile Boeswillwald, a collaborator of Viollet-le-Duc, undertook restoration and gave the ensemble its present medieval character. The complex comprises the keep, the smaller castle, the adjoining church of Notre-Dame, and outbuildings arranged around an entrance pavilion.

What to know

The keep alone was listed as a historic monument in 1927; this protection was extended in 2008 to encompass all buildings and surrounding walls.
The interior decoration is in the Neo-Gothic style introduced during 19th-century restoration.
The smaller castle stands directly against the church of Notre-Dame, connected to it by an intermediate tower.
The keep's crenellated parapet and defensive features were designed by the 19th-century restorer and reflect a contemporary interpretation of medieval fortification.

Where this château is

Valdivienne · Vienne · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Morthemer

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

86300 Valdivienne

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

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00105752
Period of construction: second half of the 19th century

Frequently asked

When was Morthemer Castle restored ?: The main restoration took place around 1865, conducted by architect Émile Boeswillwald.
How old is the smaller castle really ?: It likely dates from the 17th century, though the 19th-century architect gave it a more ancient appearance.
Does the castle retain original medieval defensive features ?: The crenellated parapet and machicolations at the summit were entirely recreated in the 19th century; the buttresses and general structure of the keep itself are original.