You don’t require a time machine to journey back to medieval times if you’re captivated by that era. In Burgundy, France, a remarkable initiative known as the Guedelon fortress project is bringing a 13th-century fortress to life, using only tools and materials available during that period.
Since its inception by Michel Guyot and Maryline Martin, the Guedelon Castle project has made remarkable progress. Today, it employs over 55 individuals, draws more than 300,000 tourists each year, and has become a popular tourist destination.
This medieval castle is built according to an authentic narrative that guides its design and construction. The project’s timeline starts in 1228, and as every year passes, they’re in the year 1248. “The reenactment rule is that we only use information from documents that existed during that time,” explains English guide Sarah Preston. Interestingly, they found the castle lacking character despite being historically accurate. To address this, they created a fictional figure, the owner, with preferences and aversions, adding depth to the project.
Seigneur Guilbert, a middle-class feudal lord, received permission to construct this magnificent fortress in 1226 because of his support for the monarchy during a rebellion.
As they progressed, they realized that the stonemasons were cutting the tower stones too precisely, which wasn’t suitable for the era. It wouldn’t have been accurate if the castle appeared as if it had a substantial army inside, as that would imply a significant wealth. The completion of this incredible site is anticipated in 1253, or, in modern terms, 2023.
More info: guedelon.fr
In France, people are building a castle from the 13th century using only medieval building techniques and materials
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Michel Guyot and Maryline Martin started Guedelon Castle project in 1997, and its completion is expected around 2023
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Here, stonemasons are working on bricks and keystones
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Workers transport stones by cart
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Special cranes are built to take heavier rocks to higher levels of the building site
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In the annals of Guedelon, works began in 1228. Each year that passes is a year in historical time too, so we are now in 1248
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“The rule is that only what we know from documents that existed at the time is allowed”
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They’re paying extreme attention to detail for the interior as well. Here’s a shot of the timber work inside the castle bedroom
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source – chaosmosnews