Soldier Ghosts at Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord was built by King Francis I in 1519 after his successful campaign to regain the Duchy of Milan, from which he would return with an aging Leonardo de Vinci, whose influence can be seen throughout the castle. In particular, the double helix staircase design at the castle's center.

 

Built during the Renaissance, it was constructed as a lavish Royal residence and hunting lodge rather than for defense and has existed in relative peace.

Chambord had brief spells when kings spent significant time at the castle, especially Louis XIV, who completed the Chapel Wing in 1685. Due to its vast size, it was difficult and expensive to keep warm and remained empty most of the time. The castle was looted during the French Revolution and later used as a hospital during the Franco-Prussian War.

On occasion, visitors have glimpsed a few former residences within Château de Chambord from those olden days, believed to be the ghosts of some of the soldiers injured in the Franco-Prussian War who stayed there, becoming their final resting place.