The royal Château de Chambord at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France, is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures.
It is located between the untamed royal river and the wild woodlands, which is home to many boar and deer.
Building of the château was begun by Francis I in 1519, and was completed in 1547.
The design itself can be attributed to various architects and influences during the 25 years it took to build in the first half of the 16th century, including the input of Leonardo da Vinci, when he was a guest of the
King staying nearby (at Clos Lucé).
2
Many sources acknowledge that…show more content… One of the architectural highlights is the spectacular open double helix staircase that is the centerpiece of the château. The two helices ascend the three floors without ever meeting, illuminated from above by a sort of light house at the highest point of the château. There are suggestions that Leonardo da Vinci may have designed the staircase, but this has not been confirmed.
3
The other architectural highlight must surely be the ornate roof, and the feature that makes Chateau de Chambord so instantly recognisable. At a glance the roof is symmetrical but look closer and you will see that is not the case - among the numerous towers, light wells and decorative features there are many variations from left to right. 4
With Chambord, the use of coffered vaulted ceilings was employed for the first time in France.
5
On the first storey of the royal wing, you will find the former lodgings of François I, including a bedroom, small private rooms or cabinets attached to it and an oratory with a remarkably sculpted vaulted ceiling.
6
Louis XIV inherited the castle and began a long series of restoration work and expansion that he…show more content… The chapel was begun between 1545-1550 and completed under Louis XIV.
The Queen’s Apartment – separated by a long passage from the king’s chambers.
8
The Roof Terrace - inspired directly from Italy, it provides a unique sight: lanterns, gables, dormer windows,
800 columns and 365 chimneys, spires and pinnacles intermingled together, all detailed by the sculpter’s chisel.
9
The castle is situated in a vast park with an area of about 5000 hectares (12,355 acres) surrounded by a wall of 31 kilometer (19.2 miles).
10
Louis XIV added a 1,200-horse stable.
Château de Chambord was built to serve as a hunting lodge for Francis I.
François I only spent a total of 72 nights in the chateau de Chambord in his entire lifetime.
Caston d'Orleans (1608-1660) Louis XIII's brother, stayed at Chambord and Blois from 1634 to 1643 and 1652 to 1660.
Louis XIV (1638-1715) King of France, stayed at Chambord nine times between 1660 and 1685.
Stanislaus Leszczynski (1677-1766) exiled King of Poland and Louis XV's fatherin-law, lived here from 1725 to 1733.
The Marechal de Saxe (1696-1750) was given the estate by Louis XV and for two years threw sumptuous parties