Garnoye
Garnoye (Mirselec for "White Fort") is a famous castle in Risevne, sited in the northeast of city area E3 of Isana (which is also called Garnoye. Situated on top of the hill known as Nortekone, or Swallows' Hill, it was once a crucial node in the defence of the city, dominating both the Rushalya river and the eastern land approaches into Isana.
Despite its present name, which derives from its brilliantly whitewashed walls, the fort was neither whitewashed nor named Garnoye in the past; before the 1717 Rebellion the fort was called Nortenoye, "Swallows' Fort". The fort was painted white in 1772, and officially renamed in 1790. Now, Garnoye is a global symbol of Isana city, representing its historical side which the eastern "Old City" embodies.
History
Archaeological records have shown that the hill of Nortekone has been a site of fortification ever since the advent of large-scale settlement in the Feladmena Plain; the oldest evidence of fortification in that area is a stretch of brick wall and several other remains tentatively dated to around 500 BDN.
Origins of the present fort
The first mention of the fort of Nortenoye dates to around 475 DN, when the Annual Chronicles of the Sovereigns of Masal states that Admiral Suga broke the fleet of rebellious bandits under the fort of Nortenoye, killed their leaders, and took 900 heads. As the city of Isana grew and became the royal capital for the Kingdom of Masal, the hill was also recognised as an important checkpoint and over successive reigns the hilltop fort was extended.
Archaeological excavations show that the first Nortenoye was built in the classic pattern of Masalan castles, known as the Keep and Wings style. The centre of the fortification was a keep, situated on the northeast of the hill, and to its west and south walls led to the side fortifications, which are smaller towers armed with shooting platforms. The whole complex was then surrounded with two walls - a stone wall, parts of which still exist and have been incorporated into the inner wall of the present fort; and a wall of timbers.
Expansion and War
Decline under the Kingdom
The Symbol of the Council
Restoration and Revival
Design and Geography
Present Situation
The whole complex of Garnoye Castle, as well as the hill itself, now form Garnoye Park, while the main keep of the castle is the site of the Garnoye Museum, focusing on artifacts from the late Royal, Council of Generals, and early post-Restoration periods.
Cultural Impact
Garnoye is seen as one of the prominent symbols of Isana, as well as of Risevne as a whole.
