Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Maine River, the Château d'Angers is a an impressive monument with a very rich historyIndeed, a Neolithic burial site, a Gallic oppidum, the heart of the Roman city, and a vast Romanesque count's palace have all succeeded one another on this land. In the 13th century, the mother of King Saint Louis, Blanche of Castile had a gigantic wall built there, half a kilometer long, punctuated by seventeen towers of schist and limestone.This fortress exudes a formidable impression of power, and its elaborate military architecture makes it virtually impregnable. However, the castle's adaptations to the evolution of artillery, its use as a prison and barracks, have led to the disappearance of some medieval buildings. From the top of the ramparts, on the sentry walk, the The panoramic view of the city is absolutely unique..
In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Dukes of Anjou, Louis I, Louis II, and King René, close to the King of France, who were also Counts of Provence and claimed territories in Italy, established their court in Angers. The buildings preserved within the city walls—the chapel, the gatehouse, and the royal residence—as well as the Apocalypse Tapestry– still testify today to the interest of these enlightened princes in architecture and works of art.
Due to its dimensions – 100 meters long – its age, and its stylistic and technical virtuosity, the The Apocalypse Tapestry is an extraordinary masterpiece of medieval art., unique in the world. Commissioned at the end of the 14th century by Louis I, and completed in record time, it is composed of six plays, each consisting of fourteen scenes in two registersJean de Bruges, the king's painter, created the cartoons for this priceless jewel. A monumental work intended to impress the prince's inner circle, it illustrates the text of the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible. This tapestry is also a remarkable document of the historical, social, and political context of its creation, marked in particular by the Hundred Years' War. It belongs to the largest collection of cathedral tapestries in Europe, comprising over one hundred pieces, which is housed in the castle.
The fortress also houses gardens exceptional for their diversity The formal garden of boxwood and yew, the vineyard, the vegetable garden, the rose garden, the hydrangea garden, the hanging garden with its medicinal, dye, and even "malevolent" plants… Some of these are also depicted on the Apocalypse Tapestry. These gardens, which combine history and innovation within a sustainable development framework, offer visitors a most pleasant respite. To keep this unique heritage alive, the national estate of the château regularly offers its visitors… temporary exhibitions in the rooms of the royal residence or even in the gardens.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit Discovering the castles near Angers in which the castle of Angers naturally fits.
