Château Gaillard: Richard’s Dream, Philip’s Obsession
A Monument to Royal Pride There’s something deeply personal about ruins. Standing here on the chalk cliffs above the Seine, watching the morning mist roll through the broken walls of Château Gaillard, you can’t help but feel the weight of ego, ambition, and obsession that saturates these weathered stones. This wasn’t just a castle – […]
Château d’Ussé: Loire’s Sleeping Beauty Crown Jewel
As we approach the towering spires of Château d’Ussé, it’s easy to see why this magnificent castle is often called the best château in Loire Valley. With its fairy tale allure and rich history, Château d’Ussé offers visitors a truly enchanting experience that sets it apart from other castles in the region. A Fairy Tale […]
The Musketeers: Elite Soldiers and Timeless Icons of 17th Century France
A Legacy Born in Turbulent Times Picture the streets of 17th century Paris, where the clash of steel against steel echoes through narrow alleys, and the air is thick with intrigue. In this world of swashbuckling adventure and political machinations, a group of elite soldiers emerged to capture the imagination of generations to come: the […]
Scepters & Sovereignty: The Formidable Queens Who Ruled the Middle Ages
From the mists of antiquity to the dawning of the Renaissance, the middle ages was dominion to remarkable women whose tenures shattered longstanding patriarchal norms. These were no mere consorts, these were the preeminent queens regnant – radicals who inherited and conquered, issued edicts and influenced nations with the surety of any male sovereign. Their […]
Our Exploration of Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud: Unveiling Its Rich History
As you approach the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, the air is thick with anticipation, as if the very walls of the abbey are alive with the echoes of centuries past. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Loire Valley, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of time. Picture-perfect landscapes surround […]
The Tower of London: Shadows of Royal Intrigue | Ep.36
Journey into the heart of the Tower of London in this riveting episode of the Saving Castles podcast. Delve deep into its haunting corridors, where historical fact blends with whispered legends, where spectral queens and ghostly archers tread. Explore tales of power struggles, haunting sorrow, and enduring mysteries that have shaped England’s tumultuous history. From […]
The Dawn of the Vikings: Origins and Early Raids
Uncover the mysteries of the Norse world, from their adventurous sea voyages to the fierce battles that marked their expansion across Europe. Explore the rich tapestry of Viking culture, their strategic mastery in warfare, and their enduring legacy in shaping medieval history. Journey with us back in time to discover the real stories behind the […]
Why Do We Love Medieval History?
As the Executive Director of Saving Castles, I often find myself pondering the enduring fascination with medieval history amidst the rapid currents of modernity. The allure of knights and castles, it seems, holds steadfast even in an age dominated by smartphones and space exploration. Delving deeper into this phenomenon unveils a myriad of reasons why […]
Unraveling the Saga: The Daring Viking Voyagers Who Transformed the Medieval World
From the mist-shrouded fjords of Scandinavia, a race of daring seafarers and fearless warriors emerged to etch their legend across the chronicles of medieval Europe and beyond. They were the Northmen, the Vikings – a name that still conjures visions of dragon-prowed longships cutting through cresting waves, and shieldwalls of ruddy, feral warriors hungry for […]
Unveiling the Legend of Joan of Arc: A Beacon of Hope in Medieval France
Joan of Arc: The Peasant Girl Who Became a National Heroine A young maiden clad in armor, a symbol of divine intervention amidst the brutality of the Hundred Years’ War—this is the vivid image of Joan of Arc that has captured the imagination of generations. Born in the small village of Domrémy, within the lush […]
Saving Castles – Yearly Recap
As the sun sets on 2023, the Saving Castles community reflects on a year of breathtaking growth, captivating exploration, and the relentless pursuit of preserving history. From the towering turrets of medieval fortresses to the elegant facades of chateaus nestled in the French countryside, Saving Castles has woven a tapestry of milestones that have left […]
Unraveling the Phenomenon of the Saving History Podcast and Community
In the vast expanse of the digital world, where trends come and go like the ebb and flow of ocean tides, there arises a captivating movement that finds its heart in the stories of castles—the Saving History podcast and its ever-growing community of castle enthusiasts. Much like the fortified walls of medieval strongholds, this phenomenon […]