During this period of festivity to celebrate

the 1100-year anniversary of the foundation of

Normandy, this monograph on Caen Castle is a

perfectly fitting initiative. Indeed, what would

Normandy be had the castle never existed?

Would Duke William have donned his conquering

spirit had he not organised the Council of

Peace in Caen in the year 1047 - hence settling

his discord with the barons he defeated at the

Battle of Val-ès-Dunes?

Caen Castle is not only a major landmark in

Norman history, and a fine example of medieval

castle architecture, it has also been a constantly

occupied source of local life for almost a thousand

years. Each period in history has left its

own mark, each monument bearing witness to

the site's wealth or to its trials and tribulations.

Yet the castle is far more than just a Historic

Monument. It is also the ideal destination for a

pleasant stroll, a family outing, new discoveries,

festivities... The list is long and there are as

many facets to the castle as there are visitors to

the site. So wait no longer, come and discover

yours.

Philippe Martin

Chairman of the

Association des Amis du Musée de Normandie