Amboise
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The
Royal castle of Amboise: In the Middle Ages, Amboise was in a strategic
position looking over one of the few bridges that allowed people
to cross the Loire. The Counts of Anjou owned a keep that was confiscated
by Charles VII in 1434 after an attempt. The chateau then became King's property.
The Valois and Bourbons honored Amboise with their presence until the Revolution.
In 1821, the chateau was passed on to Louis-Philippe by his mother, and remained
as part of the heritage of the Maison de France. Amboise Chateau now belongs
to the Fondation Saint-Louis, which is run by the Count of Paris, who ensures
the conservation of this historic building.
The Chapel of St. Hubert: Situated within the area of the king-castle.
In this chapel is the last resting-place of Leonardo da Vinci. Originally
Leonardo was buried in the heart of the king-castle, in the cloister of the
church Saint Florentin. But after the destruction of the church and parts of
the castle, Leonardo's mortal remains were transferred to the chapel of St.
Hubert.
The
final residence of Leonardo da Vinci
It was at Amboise that Leonardo do Vinci lived out his last years. Thanks to
the King's patronage, this remarkable genius was able to devote himself to his
final concerns and objects of study until his death on 2 May 1519. His body
now rests in the Chateau's chapel of St Hubert, a elegant 5th Century building
in the flamboyant Gothic style.
Panoramic gardens:
a royal view
Dominating the
city of Amboise, the gardens of the Chateau offer one of the most splendid view
of the Loire Valley.
Contents & photo:
extract from a brochure of Chateau Amboise.