What remains of the castle at Marthon?

Only the square keep still stands, the rest of the building and its surrounding wall have vanished over time.

How old is the Marthon keep?

It dates from the 12th or 13th century.

Is the Marthon keep a listed historic monument?

It has been listed as a historic monument since an order of 8 September 1928.

Can visitors climb to the top of the tower?

The upper platform no longer exists, and the tower was lowered by one metre in 1960, which limits access to the top.

Why was the castle destroyed?

It was burned by the English in 1347 during the Hundred Years' War, then abandoned once a new castle was built in the 16th century.

Château de Marthon

Marthon

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Where: Marthon

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Open within 20 km

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Château de Beauvais (Beauvais Castle)Open to visitors16 km

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Donjon de Marthon stands in Marthon (Charente), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 12th century, 13th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

In Marthon, in the Charente region, stands a square keep dating from the 12th or 13th century, the only remaining part of a castle whose surrounding wall can still be traced on the ground. This tower, sometimes known as the Tour du Breuil, marks the site of a lordship recorded as early as the 10th century. Visitors can see traces of an early defensive design, including a vaulted lower room that opened onto the floor above only through a hole cut into the dome.

Written from Château de Marthon

What to know

Only the keep remains, the rest of the castle has disappeared.
The tower was reduced by one metre in 1960, so the original upper platform no longer exists.
The building has been listed as a historic monument since 1928.
No visiting hours or admission fees are indicated, so it is worth checking locally before visiting.
Inside, a spiral staircase links the floors, with no known modern facilities.

Where this château is

Marthon · Charente · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Donjon de Marthon

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

JC7W+23, 16380 Marthon

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

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Château phone number

+33 5 45 70 21 18

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3.5 / 5from 2 Google reviews

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00104416
Period of construction: 12th century, 13th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

What remains of the castle at Marthon?: Only the square keep still stands, the rest of the building and its surrounding wall have vanished over time.
How old is the Marthon keep?: It dates from the 12th or 13th century.
Is the Marthon keep a listed historic monument?: It has been listed as a historic monument since an order of 8 September 1928.
Can visitors climb to the top of the tower?: The upper platform no longer exists, and the tower was lowered by one metre in 1960, which limits access to the top.
Why was the castle destroyed?: It was burned by the English in 1347 during the Hundred Years' War, then abandoned once a new castle was built in the 16th century.