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France's island castle, Mont Saint-Michel, sits off the coast of Normandy. Originally designed as a monastery, Mont Saint-Michel was once a renowned location for Christian pilgrimages, but was later used as a prison during the French Revolution by King Louis XI. Today, the castle has been restored to its original monastic conditions and its visitors can still hear prayers by gathered monks. During the 11th century, Italian architect William of Volpiano was chosen to helm the castle's first major renovation, a distinctive Romanesque design which was completed by placing a transept crossing atop the mount. To maintain the island's integrity beneath the enormous castle, various crypts and chapels had to be constructed in order to support its colossal structure. M O N T S A I N T- M I C H E L L O C A T I O N : N O R M A N D Y, F R A N C E O R I G I N A L C O N S T R U C T I O N : 8 T H C E N T U R Y A R C H I T E C T U R E S T Y L E : R O M A N E S Q U E Discover the World's Most Stunning Castles BY RACHEL MONTEL Throughout the Middle Ages (and beyond), there was no better display of wealth and power than building a castle. Whether it was intended for relaxation and inspiration or intimidation and protection, the castle has always been an incredible and imposing sight. But much has changed throughout the centuries; those dimly lit, daunting Gothic fortresses have taken on the form of palaces. Eventually, Romanticism in the modern era pushed the galvanization of fantasy castles, the geometry of which is remarkably appealing to the human eye. For lovers of architecture who travel, there is no better bucketlist than marking off the great castles of the world. VUE ON DESIGN V U E N J . C O M 40

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