Guédelon Castle

Guédelon Castle is an experimental archaeology project in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, where a team is constructing a 13th-century-style castle using period techniques. The project began in 1997 and continues as a long-term reconstruction and educational site.

Visitors can observe stonemasons, carpenters, blacksmiths and other craftsmen working with hand tools, traditional jointing and mortar, and onsite quarries and workshops. The site presents each stage of medieval castle construction and interprets building methods, crafts and logistics for the public.

Initiated by medievalist and local heritage advocates, the project was launched to explore and demonstrate how a castle would have been built in the 1200s using only historical materials and methods. Work proceeds in phases and the site evolves as new sections are completed.

The construction site and visitor facilities are located near Treigny in the Yonne department of Burgundy, in central-eastern France.

• Founding and method: Construction began in 1997 as an experimental archaeology project and is intentionally using only materials and techniques available in the 13th century.
• Visitor experience: The site functions as both a working construction project and a public museum; visitors can watch live building work and artisan demonstrations.

What to See #

• Donjon (keep): The central keep or donjon, being constructed using traditional masonry and medieval building techniques, forms the project's focal point.
• Curtain walls and gatehouses: Curtain walls and gatehouses that are being built to 13th-century designs using hand-carved stone and lime mortar.
• Workshops and crafts: On-site workshops including stonemasonry, carpentry and blacksmithing where visitors can observe traditional crafts in progress.