By Grant Stein

Location The middle of France in the Loire valley, 7km from St. Benoit. Southeast of Orléans in the City of Sully. Left bank of the Loire river guarding a strategic ford °N °E

History 1218 – Roman-style keep built south of the present-day structure. 10 th – 14 th centuries – estate is the property of the Barons de Sully – Guy de la Trémoille built the Donjon, flanked by 4 towers –commissioned main features – Trémoille imprisoned Joan d’Arc in castle after she failed to liberate Paris. 17th century – Maximilien de Béthune (1560 – 1641), is the first duke of Sully and a minister under Henri IV.

History March 1652 – King Louis XIV, Queen Anne of Austria, and prime minister Cardinal Mazarin hid in castle during a revolt against the French nobility. 18 th century – Voltaire retreated to Sully after infuriating the king – Marshal MacMahon, Duke of Magenta and President of France from , was born in Sully-sur-Loire – became property of Départment du Loiret, and is now considered a historical monument.

Architecture Medieval fortress from late 14 th century – wood (oak) and stone. 4 cylindrical corner towers – western towers: "Nouvion" and "Villebon" – eastern towers: "Chapelle d'Anguillon" and "Verrines" Rectangular keep –Giant oak rafters are 35 meters long and 15 meters high –Rafters built in the shape of an upturned boat Southern gateway is flanked by 2 towers.

Architecture Drawbridge formerly rose over moat. A door placed in a square tower is main access to the castle today. Parapet walkway Machicolations Series of vast, stacked chambers – 300 sq. meters and 100 sq. meters – Huge fireplaces –Spiral staircase Castle is built over a porch- tower containing Sully’s apartments.

Myths and Legends There are not many common myths about this castle, but sections recall famous Greek and Roman legends; the tapestry collection le Tenure de Psyche, and the paintings in the Duke’s bedchamber are perfect examples.

Heritage Spacious, verdant gardens. State room – an hidden iron door leads to the room that controls the drawbridge and Duke’s treasury. Tomb of Sully and his wife (replicas). Duke’s Bedchamber – French ceiling painted “in the Italian style” illustrating the gods on Mount Olympus. 6 tapestries depict the tale of Psyche.

Tourist Information Events: –April 3 rd -30 th kids 6-13 dress up in costume Learn about leisure pursuits of the Middle Ages –May at 8pm: “Nights of Henri IV” Walk castle by candlelight Meet key people in King Henri’s life Accessible by bus from Orléans April–Sept 10am to 6pm Oct–March 10am to Noon and 2–5pm Closed in January €3.40; guided visits, only by reservation

Sources visitors.com/loire/sully-sur-loire.htmlhttp:// visitors.com/loire/sully-sur-loire.html ully-sur-Loirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Château_de_S ully-sur-Loire ateau-sully-sur-loire.htmlhttp:// ateau-sully-sur-loire.html “Wonderful Loire Valley Castles”