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Caen - Château de Caen

Caen experienced rapid urban development in the 11th century. It was the center of a ducal domain and possessed markets and a port. It initially flourished as an important city in the Duchy of Normandy under William the Conqueror. He had a strong fortress built in Caen, as well as an abbey for women (Abbaye aux dames) and one for men (Abbaye aux hommes) around 1059, in which he was also buried. He had the monasteries built to atone for his marriage to his cousin Matilda, which was disapproved by the Pope. Both monasteries are among the most important architectural monuments in Normandy and are now used as parish churches.

The castle is the former city fortress of the Norman dukes. The approximately 5.5-hectare Château de Caen is located at a height of approximately 10 to 20 meters between the two former abbeys – each approximately 700 meters apart.

A rampart and moat system had existed on this site since the early 11th century. The construction of a fortress was by the Norman Duke William the Conqueror, who chose Caen as the capital of his duchy. At Christmas 1182, King Henry II of England and his two sons, Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland, received homage from more than 1,000 knights.

In 1204, the French King Philip II reconquered the Duchy of Normandy. He and his successors had the castle expanded. During the French Revolution, the medieval keep was demolished. During the Allied invasion (June 1944), the city of Caen and thus also the castle were severely damaged by aerial bombs.
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