The Chateau de Chambered is one of the most famous pieces of architecture in all of France. It is also the largest Chateau of the Loire Valley. The construction began in 1519 and took twenty-eight years to complete, it was built as a hunting lodge for Francis I. The chateau was designed with many walls, towers, and even has a moat but was never designed with the intention of being a defense against enemies. Other design features include are large open windows, a large outdoor area on the top, 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases. Styles from both the Italian and French were used when designing.
The centerpiece of the Chateau is the double helix staircase that is three stories high. Although it has not been confirmed it is said that Leonardo da Vinci designed the staircase for the structure.
After Francis I died in 1547 the chateau wasn't used for a century. The building was abandoned and started to decay until 1639 when King Louis XIII and his brother Gaston dOrleans started restoring it. They added furnishing fit for the royals and added in 1200 horse stables. The Chateau was then abandoned again in 1685.
extra credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HziwBRrFqY4
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