Château de Druyes

Château de Druyes (French pronunciation: [ʃato də dʁɥi]) is a medieval castle located in Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines in Yonne, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. It was built in the 12th century by the Counts of Nevers, and remained in their possession until the 18th century. It was as much a noble residence as it was a fortified castle. It was a frequented dwelling place of Peter II of Courtenay, the Emperor of Constantinople in the 13th century, and his daughter Matilda, Countess of Nevers, Auxerre and Tonnerre.

It was later abandoned by the Counts of Nevers. From the 17th century onward, having lost all military and stately importance, it was no longer occupied and slowly deteriorated. The castle avoided destruction during the French Revolution but it was not until the second half of the 20th century that local residents and authorities became concerned about its fate and made efforts to save it from total ruin.

Druyes is part of the first generation of Philippians castles. These castles were built in the time of King Philip Augustus and displayed a simple plan and circular towers. It is built on a square plan of 52 meters wide. The corners are defended by four round towers. Three of the four curtains have a square tower. The north tower is the highest and acts as a fortified entrance gate. A large house, now gone, was located along on the south curtain wall and had Romanesque arched openings.