Guildo Castle

Guildo Castle, locally known as Château du Guildo, lies next to the village of the same name, in the Côtes-d'Armor department in France.

Guildo Castle, situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the estuary of the Arguenon river, dates back to the early 13th century. It was preceded by a 12th century building, probably a manor.

In the mid-14th century the castle was destroyed, probably during the War of the Breton Succession. It was rebuilt later that century.

During the 15th century the castle was enlarged and embellished, probably because the Lady of Guildo; Françoise de Dinan, rose in status as she married Gilles de Bretagne; brother of the Dukes of Brittany Francis I and Peter II, in 1444 at the age of 8. In 1450 Gilles was executed and in 1451 she was married off to the 45-year-old Guy XIV de Laval.

During the Mad War the castle was besieged. In the following French Breton War Guildo Castle was destroyed, probably during the campaign of Louis I de la Trémoille on the northern coast of Brittany in 1489. After that the castle was only partially rebuilt.

During the 16th century Guildo Castle was strengthened again and it was adapted to the use of artillery. Between 1590 and 1598, during the French Wars of Religion, the castle was besieged several times. After these sieges the castle was damaged so much that it was gradually abandoned and left to fall to ruin.

During the 18th century the ruins were used for agricultural purposes. In 1794 it was sold and during the 19th century it served as a stone quarry.

At present the ruin of Guildo Castle is freely accessible. A very nice castle ruin on a beautiful location.

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