Medieval fortress with Renaissance roots

The Château d'Amboise is a historic medieval fortress that was transformed during the French Renaissance. It sits on a rocky hill overlooking the Loire River and has been a significant site for centuries.

Archaeologists search for lost staircase

Since January 2026, an archaeological team has been excavating the ground in front of the royal residence to find traces of the monumental Persé staircase, which was demolished in the 18th century.

Charles VIII's Italian-inspired vision

Charles VIII, a builder king fascinated by Italy, began reconstructing the Château d'Amboise in 1492. His military campaigns took him to Naples, and he returned with a desire to bring Italian splendor to the Loire Valley.

The grand Persé staircase

Among the most impressive structures Charles VIII commissioned was the Persé staircase, a 20-meter-high stone structure built between 1492 and 1498. It stood outside the royal residence, separated from the facade by nearly two meters.

Modern research on the lost staircase

A team of eight researchers from the archaeology service of Indre-et-Loire and the University of Tours has been excavating the site under the supervision of the DRAC Centre-Val de Loire. They hope to confirm the staircase was a double spiral design.

Using historical drawings to reconstruct

Without precise plans, researchers are using the drawings of Jacques Androuet du Cerceau to help reconstruct the staircase, which was destroyed by the pickaxe of later renovations.

Leonardo da Vinci's final days

In 1519, Leonardo da Vinci died in the small house of Clos Lucé, a few hundred meters from the Château d'Amboise. He had come to France at the invitation of King Francis I to spend his final days.

Uncertain burial site of Leonardo

The Château d'Amboise became the presumed burial site for Leonardo da Vinci, but the site has been affected by the French Revolution and subsequent demolitions, scattering royal and noble burials.

Bones moved to chapel in 1874

In 1874, bones attributed to Leonardo da Vinci were transferred to the Saint-Hubert chapel inside the castle. However, no modern scientific identification has confirmed these are his remains.

Saint-Hubert chapel's restoration

The Saint-Hubert chapel, a small Gothic gem, underwent a major restoration starting in 2021. The project, led by Étienne Barthélémy, involved replacing nearly 2,000 facade elements and restoring 15 tons of lead on the roof.

Restoration reveals historical significance

The chapel reopened in 2024 after an investment of 3.5 million euros. It is now a restored piece of history that once housed the presumed remains of Leonardo da Vinci.

Two intertwined histories

The Château d'Amboise carries two overlapping histories: one of a king who wanted to import the Italian Renaissance, and one of a genius who may have laid his final stone there.

Uncovering the past

Between the excavations of the Persé staircase and the restored Saint-Hubert chapel, the Château d'Amboise continues to reveal its secrets. These projects highlight the enduring connection between a builder king and a genius from Italy.