Castle-Dolphin

Castle-Dolphin is the name of the castle of the town of Pontgibaud in Auvergne. It owes its name with the weapons of that which made it build at the end of the 12th century: Robert I, Count d' Auvergne, on the weapons whose a dolphin appeared. Initial construction is modified at the 15th century by Gilbert III Motier of Fayette, which reinforces defenses and increases the keep. Given up at the 17th century for a more comfortable building, damaged at the time of the French revolution, the castle will be finally restored at the end of the 19th century by the Count César III of Pontgibaud

The principal building is a double Donjon: indeed, a round keep forms one of the angles of the powerful square keep. The two parts are independent. The square keep is articulated around an interior court covered at the 19th century by a canopy. The strengthened enclosure comprised seven turns, of which six are always upright today. The castle also includes/understands a garden-kitchen garden of the 16th century, to him also classified Historic building, and the museum of the mines of Argent of the canton of Pontgibaud.

The castle is inhabited since 1756 consequently family resulting from a Mousquetaire of the king, César I of Moré. The current owners, the Count and the Countess Gabriel de Germiny are the descendants. The castle, the garden and the museum are opened with the visit.

See too

External bonds

Official site of the Castle Dolphin
detailed Description of the castle and its history

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