The unmissable and imposing Château de Pontivy, formerly Château des Rohan, rises north of the town center of Pontivy. On the heights of the city and buried in the Vauban style, it dates from the end of the Middle Ages. Its construction was launched by Jean II de Rohan, nicknamed the “Grand Viscount” thanks to his impressive wealth.
Long before its construction, other castles were in town. The first, a feudal motte, would have been built in the 12the century and the second, a fortress probably made of stones, would have replaced it after its destruction and was also destroyed, in the middle of the 14e century. Pontivy thus became the capital of the Rohan family without having a castle! It will remain so almost 100 years after building the current one. This last castle is considered to be a technological jewel of its time since it was necessary to wait almost 100 years before modifying it defensively!
Over the centuries, transformations will appear. The 18the century will be the most important period, moving from a defensive castle to an exclusively residential castle. Openings are enlarged, one of the walkways is partly closed to make way for the bedroom of the Duchess of Rohan…
Only half of this castle remains! Two towers out of four and two galleries out of three.
In February 2014, following a very rainy winter, the south curtain wall collapsed. A major reconstruction and renovation project has been launched. Which explains its closure to the public since that date. Exceptionally, the castle opens its doors to you during guided tours proposed by the Pontivy Community Tourist Office, European Heritage Days or any other one-off event.
The guided tours from the tourist office take place during school holidays. They will immerse you in the Middle Ages, discovering the rich and tumultuous history of this castle in the heart of Brittany: its construction, its restorations, its role in the defense of the city. A specific fun visit is intended for young people. You will be amazed and come away with many anecdotes!
