15th July, 2012. This chateau was the residence, seat of power and administration as well as a stronghold for the House of Savoy. Today, it houses the political administration of the department of Savoie and it is open for tours and concerts. Just for our luck, like the rest of the city which was completely devoid of people, there was only a reception clerk in the place and everywhere else was closed. The shot shows the courtyard of the chateau immediately you enter the main gate. To the left is the oldest part of the chateau (I think); the arches holding the upper floor are still made of wooden beams.
The original chateau was built in 1285 but was expanded in the 14th century. Under Napoleon Bonaparte it housed the imperial prefecture of the department of Mont-Blanc. In 1860, elaborate modifications were made after Savoy was annexed to France.
Thank you so very much for looking and for your wonderful comments on yesterday’s picture.
Looks like an amazing structure Dione. The dramatic lighting was captured really well and the curve of the building helps the composition to pull your eyes around the shot. Well done!
