A Thousand Years of European Castles

Imbued with mystery and grandeur, the fortified castles testify to medieval civilization and cover a complex reality. By traveling from castle to castle, from the borders of Spain to the mountains of Switzerland, from the Scottish moors to the banks of the Dordogne, and thanks to 3D models, this film retraces a thousand years of medieval military construction…

Construction methods and siege techniques will constantly evolve, in a frantic race for optimal effectiveness against invaders.
In the 11th century, the first castles appear that can be described as «forts», impregnable with their ramparts and their corner towers. But this military building is also the residence of authority, of the lord. It became the symbol of feudalism in full development…
From the 14th century, the fortified castles lost their importance in front of the efficiency of the artillery which now broke all the walls and the military architects adapted the shape of the castles to thwart the new siege techniques.
The 16th and 17th centuries mark the end of fortified castles. The art of war evolved along with social structures. Now fortified cities and numerous armies are more effective in defending the kingdom. The castles gradually became the residence of lords whose authority gave way to that of the King. They are transformed into luxurious residences. The castle then no longer has anything “strong”.

Director: Serge TIGNÈRES & Benoît POISSON