Château ( Castle ) de Vitré, France

The Château de Vitré is a medieval castle located n the town of Vitré, in the Ille-et-Vilaine département of France. The first castle was built of wood around year 1000 while the first stone castle was built at the end of 11th century by the baron Robert I of Vitré. During the first half of 13th century baron André III ordered it rebuilding in its present triangular form. After his death the castle was passed to the Counts of Laval who enlarged the castle during the 15th century.



During the Hundred Years War (from 1337 to 1453) the owner of the Château de Vitré Guy XV of Laval opened it to the French. During the French Wars of Religion (1562 to 1598) between the Catholics and the Huguenots Vitré supported the Huguenots and the castle became their shelter. After the 17th century was the Château de Vitré abandoned until 1820 when it was bought by the city of Vitré. In 1872 was the Château de Vitré classified as a monument historique and in 1875 restored. One year later, in 1876, Arthur de la Borderie founded a museum within the castle.