“A
picture or poem is often little more than a feeble utterance of man’s
admiration of something out of himself; but architecture approaches more to a
creation of his own, born of his necessities, and expressive of his nature.” John
Ruskin, The Stones of Venice, vol. 2 (Smith, Elder & Co., 1853), p. 180.
The
Château de la Rochefoucauld is said to be one of the most remarkable castles in
France. This site is of interest because of the quality and diversity of its
architecture. This most imposing castle of Charente is a jewel of Renaissance.
The Roman dungeon, which is the oldest part, and the numerous sculptures are
the main points of interest. But the masterpiece of la Rochefoucauld is without
a doubt the 16th century continuous spiral staircase. Comprised of 108 steps
this monumental piece of work, a design attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, winds
majestically around a central pillar.