The square keep (Donjon) was built during the 12th century and is the oldest part of the chateau. During the 14th century, the medieval fortress has seen its defence system improved : a path round, the battlements, with crenellations for firing weapons, merlons for protection, and loopholes for archers. A dry ditch around the château reinforces the defence. You can cross it using a drawbridge between the two courtyards. This ditch was later filled up and the drawbridge removed. The current appearance of the chateau has been designed in the 15th century with the apparition of a small courtyard and the North and East wings. Hence, the fortress became a manor house and later on, in the 18th century the outbuildings, the great and lower courtyards has been created. The château de Rully has belonged to the same family from the very beginning. The changes of name over the centuries show that ownership was sometimes been transferred through the female line ; the main family names have been : Rully, Saint-Léger, Montessus and nowdays Ternay. Owners themselves will welcome you and guide you through the chateau. During tour journey in chateau de Rully you will learn more about the castle history, the family anecdotes and, perhpas, some family secrets ...