 The estate of Chenonceau is first mentioned in writing in the 11th century.The current château was built in 1514–1522 on the foundations of an old mill and was later extended to span the river.The bridge over the river was built (1556-1559) to designs by the French Renaissance architect Philibert de l'Orme, and the gallery on the bridge, built from 1570–1576 to designs by Jean Bullant.