Gannat Castle

Gannat Castle, locally known as Château de Gannat, lies in the town of the same name, in the Allier department in France.

Gannat Castle was built around 1200 on the edge of the town. It was preceded by an earlier motte-castle which had been situated south of it. In 1236 the city was walled, placing the castle just outside its walls, near the city's north gate. It was built on a square plan with round corner towers and circled by a moat. The present construction however dates back to the 14th century. It belonged to the Lords of Bourbon.

By the 16th century the castle was uninhabitable and much of it was dismantled in 1566. From 1833 until the early 20th century the castle was used as a prison.

The castle has a square ground plan with round towers at its corners.

At present Gannat Castle houses a local history museum; the Musée Yves Machelon. This was closed when I came by, sadly enough.

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