Murol Castle, locally known as Château de Murol, lies in the village with the same name, south west of the city of Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne region in France.

Murol Castle was built in the 12th century, on a basaltic rock. A descendant of the lords of Murol, Guillaume of Sam, finished the interior fortress, built the keep, a second vault and the eastern buildings.

In the 15th century, the castle passed in the hands of the Estaing family. The castle was then richly decorated and an enclosure wall was built flanked with towers. The fortress resisted the attacks of the League victoriously. Once peace returned, Jean d' Estaing gave up this austere residence and built a gracious house at the foot of the castle.

Richelieu saved Murol because Estaing was favoured at the French court. The castle was regularly adapted to meet new military requirements until the 17th century. It was used as a prison a couple of times and was robbed during the Revolution. During the 19th century, the castle underwent many degradations, before being classified historic building. It was even used as stone quarry by the local people.

Now a communal property, it is cared for, since 1985, by the Companions of Gabriel association. During summer this strong castle is used for reenactments of feudal, 13th century life.

Now this is a really cool ruined castle; lots of passage-, door- and stairways. Recommended.

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