Ravel Castle, a little history...
Feudal fortress, then royal, offered by Philippe le Bel to his chancellor Pierre Flote, home of the families of Amboise, Rochefoucauld, then of the family of Estaing, the castle of Ravel has preserved its medieval characteristics, adapted to the requirements of a classical stately home. Ravel Castle, a private property, is classified as a historical monument by order of 20 May 1958.
One of his first lords was Bernard de Revel or Ravel, bailiff of Clermont and Pont-du-Château. The medieval castle became a royal property in XIII under Philip the Hardi, then Philip the Fair. The latter in fact gives to Pierre Flote his chancellor, who carries out ambitious work there, whose centrepiece of the castle, the hall of the States of Auvergne It houses an important frieze representing the coats of arms of about fifty French provinces, executed to host the Estates General of Auvergne. This event will eventually never take place, due to the death of Pierre Flote, killed at the Battle of Kortrijk in 1302.
This heraldic frieze unique in France, could have disappeared during the fire that ravaged 400m² in the northwest part of the castle in June 2016.
Then follows a work of restoration in several stages, executed under the mastery of Frédéric Didier, chief architect of the historical monuments, allowing to clear provisions of the thirteenth century and to put them back in place in this part of the castle: the large royal room on the 1st floor, the west façade and the northwest tower, for example, find their medieval appearance.
Fortunately, the fire did not damage the wall paintings of the State Hall, which are located on the ground floor, directly below the floors affected by the flames. Following the disaster, the mezzanine created late is deposited and the state hall has already found its original volumes.
Restoration of the State Hall
On the site, the work of the restorers consists in first removing the coatings concealing the paints and consolidating them. Then in a second stage, they will proceed to their restoration, under the scientific and technical control of the regional conservation of historical monuments. The challenge will be to define, in conjunction with the owners, the chief architect of the historic monuments and the restorers, to what extent the disappeared or faded parts will be restored.
Sustained operation under the recovery plan
The restoration of the State Hall was selected from among the operations financed under the recovery plan under the measure which aims to reinforce the restoration operations of historical monuments belonging to local authorities or private owners.
Construction began in late 2020 and will continue until July 2021.
The total cost of the work is €336,590, including a financial contribution of €168,295 under France Relance.
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