Recent excavations in northwestern France have revealed the remarkable ruins of a medieval castle, complete with its intact moat and a trove of artifacts, authorities reported. The castle, estimated to be approximately 600 years old, came to light during a "preventative" dig conducted on a hotel property in Vannes early last year, ahead of plans to construct a fine arts museum.

What archaeologists stumbled upon between February and April 2023 exceeded all expectations, according to France's national institute for archaeological research, Inrap, which made the announcement on Tuesday.

Burrowing through a substantial embankment within the courtyard of what is now known as Château Lagorce, excavators unearthed two stories of the ancient fortress, astonishingly well-preserved. The ground floor, buried up to 13 feet beneath the embankment, sprawled across the property, measuring an impressive 140 feet in length and 55 feet in width.

The castle, believed to have been commissioned by the Duke of Brittany Jean IV around 1380, served as a testament to his authority. Its intricate architecture, structural sophistication, and immense scale suggest the duke spared no effort in its construction. Notably, archaeologists found markings on some of the ancient stones, indicating a meticulously planned building process.

Within the castle's confines, evidence emerged of its original grandeur, including remnants of staircases and functional elements like latrines and drainage pipes. Particularly noteworthy was the discovery of an ornate and remarkably preserved staircase, boasting three distinctive steps and a window seat. Additionally, a plethora of artifacts dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, such as coins, jewelry, and cooking utensils, were uncovered in manual searches of the latrines and pipes.

The excavation also revealed a unique feature: a mill integrated into the residential section of the castle. Housed within a portion of the building described as a "square tower," the mill utilized water power from a canal beneath the castle, channeling it out into the moat through a grated opening in the mill room.

Furthermore, archaeologists uncovered remnants of a bridge spanning the moat, crucial for connecting the castle to the outside world and facilitating access to the city for its residents.

The discovery of this medieval marvel offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, shedding light on the architectural prowess and daily life within a medieval fortress.