The Renaissance Chateau de Chenonceau spanning the river Cher, Indre-et-Loire, built in 1514–1522. The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to
The Renaissance Chateau de Chenonceau spanning the river Cher, Indre-et-Loire, built in 1514–1522. The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge, built from 1570 to 1576 to designs by Jean Bullant. After King Henry II died in 1559, his strong-willed widow and regent Catherine de' Medici forced Diane to exchange it for the Château Regent of France, Catherine spent a fortune on the château and on spectacular nighttime parties. In 1560, the first-ever fireworks display seen in France took place during the celebrations marking the ascension to the throne of Catherine's son Francis II. The grand gallery, which extended along the existing bridge to cross the entire river, was dedicated in 1577.
Size: 4928px × 3400px
Location: Chateau de Chenonceau, Loire Valley France
Photo credit: © funkyfood London - Paul Williams / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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