The Donjon at Pons
Fujifilm X-T5
XF8-16mmF2.8 R LM WR
ƒ/5.6 13.6 mm 1/1100 ISO 125

Built on the site of an oppidum, the castle of Pons was an important medieval stronghold due to its location as a hub of roads including those for the pilgrims of Saint James. The location and relatively high and defensible elevation made the Pons castrum a particularly coveted fortress. It belonged to the lord of Aulnay, Charente-Maritime, to the dukes of Aquitaine, then to the lords of Pons. The original keep was at destroyed in 1136 by the Count of Poitou.  Razed in 1179 by the Duke of Aquitaine Richard Lionheart following a revolt of his vassal, the castle was rebuilt in 1187 by Geoffroy III de Pons with the addition of the imposing quadrangular Keep of Pons, partially over of the foundations of the original, smaller keep and partially over new foundations.  Based on the chapel facade, it is believed that the chapel was also rebuilt during this period.

The castle was again destroyed in 1622 (with the exception of the keep and some defensive elements) by the armies of Louis XIII following the siege of 1621.[8] A few years later, Marshal Caesar Phoebus d'Albret had the current main building erected. Despite its cold appearance, several rooms within the Keep have comfortable interior with wooden ceilings and mounted canvas decorated with allegorical figures. The base of the ramparts has been partially preserved, and forms a walk from which one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seugne valley. Caesar Phoebus d'Albret, Sire de Pons, ordered the construction of the monumental staircase which connects the upper city to the lower city.
