Thursday, October 31, 2024

Medieval Magic Guedelon’s Living 13th-Century Castle

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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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Image credits: Guédelon

Michel Guyot and Maryline Martin started Guedelon Castle project in 1997, and its completion is expected around 2023

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Image credits: Guédelon

Here, stonemasons are working on bricks and keystones

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Image credits: Jacky Naegelen

Workers transport stones by cart

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Image credits: Jacky Naegelen

Special cranes are built to take heavier rocks to higher levels of the building site

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Image credits: Guédelon

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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building 13th century guedelon castle france 16 59c9fe6780346 880
Image credits: Guédelon

“The rule is that only what we know from documents that existed at the time is allowed”

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Image credits: Guédelon

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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Image credits: Jacky Naegelen

source – chaosmosnews

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