Photos: Building a Medieval Castle in the 21st Century
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An aerial view of Guédelon Castle in Treigny, France, in 2023
Jacky Naegelen / Hans Lucas / Reuters
Stonecutters work at the construction site of the Château de Guédelon on June 25, 2005.
Xavier Rossi / Gamma-Rapho / Getty
A person in medieval-style clothing observes the building site of Guédelon Castle in June 2002.
Thierry Perrin / Gamma-Rapho / Getty
A blacksmith in period attire works at the Guédelon Castle site on April 12, 2018.
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Two people walk inside the “squirrel cage,” a medieval treadwheel crane, to lift material at the construction site in 2011.
Aufort Jerome / Getty
A view of the castle, under construction, as seen in 2023.
Philippe Desmazes / AFP / Getty
A person prepares a medieval dish for tourists visiting the construction site of Guédelon Castle on July 15, 2014.
Jacky Naegelen / Hans Lucas / Reuters
On June 25, 2005, a carpenter prepares a log to be used for the construction of the castle.
Jacky Naegelen / Hans Lucas / Reuters
A stoneworker pours water onto stones and mortar being placed on September 13, 2016.
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Timbers support the roof of the Great Hall inside of Guédelon Castle.
Jacky Naegelen / Hans Lucas / Reuters
A woman plays with geese at the construction site on September 13, 2016.
Arnaud Finistre / AFP / Getty
A visitor enters the castle from the courtyard on June 23, 2025.
Xavier Rossi / Gamma-Rapho / Getty
A carpenter works on support timbers for a rounded roof in June 2002.
Albert Ceolan / De Agostini / Getty
Young women work on a shingled roof at the castle construction site in 2019.
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A close view of stonework and an arched opening in the castle wall.
Arnaud Finistre / AFP / Getty
Visitors tour the construction site of Guédelon Castle on June 23, 2025.
Stephane Mouchmouche / Hans Lucas / Reuters
Children and adults attend a construction workshop led by a worker at the castle on April 29, 2023.
Arnaud Finistre / AFP via Getty
A school group tours the Guédelon construction site in Treigny, France, on June 23, 2025.