|
|
|
|
Chambord has 440 rooms, 365 chimneys, 800 cornices, and 15 staircases. It is a symbol of the explosive reign. Chambord also housed beautiful gardens of sweeping flower beds, flowing fountains, and towering trees. Chambord was given to Marshal Maurice of Saxe, winner of the Battle of Fontenoy, by Louis XV. Later Berthier, Prince of Wagram, took possession of Chambord. During the Restoration period of France, Chambord was put for sale and bought back by nation subscription and offered to the Duke of Bordeaux. The Duke of Bordeaux, who changed his name to the Count of Chambord, left the property to the Bourbon Parme. Today, however, it belongs to the state of France. Bibliography: 1. Armel De Wismes, Baron, The Loire Castles: English Edition, Artaud Freres Publications,
|
Chambord
was originally the hunting lodge to the Counts of Blois. It is located close to
Orleans and Blois. Chambord was annexed to the Crown under the reign of Louis
XII. One day while Francis I was hunting upon the Chambord grounds, he decided to
knock down the small castle and replace it with a marvelous palace. The head
constructor was Francois de Pontbriant. Additional architects included Nicholas de
Foyal, Sieur d'Herbault, and Charles de Murat. The construction took place between
1518 and 1543. The structure of the body of the castle was designed on an identical
plan to St. Peter's in Rome. The details of the castle include large towers, small
pinnacles, double spiral staircases, and more. Chambord became the envy and wonder
to all of Europe.