Jumilhac-le-Grand Castle

Description: XVth, XVIth and XVIIth centuries castle. Property of Antoine Chapelle, Henri IV's Master of Smith, the castle was reshaped after 1581, from a XIIth and XIVth Templar Knights fortress. The origin of this former fief is attested from 580 where it is told about "Diocesis Gemiliacensis". In the XIVth, the castle belonged to the chatellenie of Excideuil then,In 1656, it was raised to the rank of marquisate with high justice rights on the parish.

Even if we can see influences of the Renaissance style , the general lines of this castle belong to the end of the Gothic era as show it the roofs which offer an incredible variety of forms and fanciful volumes some more than the others.

These roofs of slate are indeed bristled with pepperpots, complicated sets, pyramids of watchtowers where the pointed headgears and lead finials are decorated with human and fanciful figurines. Also mustbe noted the covered patrol way on sober machicolation.

Inside, a wide staircase which leads to an immense panelled lounge with parquet floor is reminding some rooms of the palace of Versailles.

Also interesting, the chamber said "of the spinner" with the naively decorated thick walls, as well as the kitchen and its magnificent battery of brass instruments.

Dominating the castle of its octagonal bell tower, the church contains saint Eusice's relic.

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