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Azay le Rideau



**Location (Sophie)** Azay-le-Rideau was one of the first castles to be constructed in the Loire Valley. It is located on an island in the River Indre. The castle is 15 miles southwest of Tours and 150 miles southwest of Paris. It is surrounded by parkland and open woodland.

**History (Josette)**

The town in which this castle was built was named by Lord Ridel of Azay in 1119. The castle was originally built as a fortress, it even had a drawbridge. This medieval castle conveyed a look of power. It withstood several disasters including a great fire during the 100 years war. Later Martin Berthelot a minister for France bought this castle and gave it to his son Gilles Berthelot. However, it was Gilles's wife, Philippe Lesbahy who directed most of the building and restoration. It was her idea to install a central staircase (//escalier d'honneur //), for which Azay-le-Rideau is best known. Berthelot was suspected of committing embezzlement and was forced to flee the country and his unfinished home. The King reclaimed the property, giving it to an honored soldier. This beautiful castle passed through several hands until in the 20th century it was taken over by the government and restored.


 * Historical Timeline (Emilie)**

__1119__ - A castle was built on a small island on the Indre River in the city Azay-le-Rideau, named by Lord Rider of Azay. __1418__ - Dauphin Charles, failing to capture the town of Tours from the Duke of Burgandy and falling back to Chinon, passed by the castle where its inhabitants showered him with insults and refused to help him. In return, Charles had the castle burnt killing 354 people. The town then became known as "Azay-le-Brule." __1442__ - King Charles VII of France authorized the rebuilding of Azay-le-Rideau. __1518-1527__ - Le Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau as we know it today, was built. __1528__ - Francois 1er confiscated the castle from Gilles Berthelot and gave it as a gift to one of his high-ranking officers, Antoine Rafifn. __1791__ - Azay-le-Rideau was bought by the marquess Charles de Biencourt. __1871__ - Azay-le-Rideau was occupied by Prince Frederic Charles who used the castle as a headquarters in the Franco-Prussian war, the only time the castle was occupied by a Prussian royal. __1905__ - The State purchased the castle, empty of its furniture and deprived of its surrounding grounds. __1907__ - The remodeling of the Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau began.


 * Architecture (Sophie)**

Azay-le-rideau's style is a combination of French and Italian renaissance. It is more early Italian renaissance than late medieval. Azay-le-rideau is the best example of Italianate architecture in the Loire Valley. The chateau is "L-shaped." The arms of the chateau enclose the courtyard. Some of Azay-le-rideau's architecture is symbolic. The corners of the chateau end in rounded towers. The towers are reminiscent of earlier and defensive castles. The river that the chateau resides on resembles a moat.


 * Ownership (Emilie)**

Currently, Azay-le-Rideau is owned by the state after numerous changes of ownership prior to the 20th century. Along with purchasing the castle, the state undertook a number of renovations to the castle and added a collection of furnishings, tapestries, and paintings.


 * Works Cited**

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