Château de Chambord
— Built during the long reign of François I, Chambord is probably the grandest hunting lodge in the world.”
François I ruled for thirty two years and during that time the character of Europe changed dramatically. His impact on the Loire region was also dramatic, as a result of both his presence in the area and his own projects.
The vast and rather baffling Château de Chambord was intended as a mere hunting lodge, an early example of a castle built for grandeur and pleasure rather than for defence.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Chambord for me was the roofscape. Consider the north façade. Below the roofline, Chambord appears symmetrical, solid and even formal. Contrast that with the roof and we see instead a riot of chimneys, towers, arches and windows. Taken together, the harmony of the whole is nevertheless striking.
See also:
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