Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Tower of the Hospital of Belvès is integrated into the old castrum of Belvès, whose ramparts remained intact. The walls of the current hospital rise directly on these fortifications, demonstrating the reuse of medieval defensive structures. The tower, of ovoid shape, is topped by a pepper roof partially covered with fish scales and flat tiles. This blend of styles reflects its 12th century foundations, on which a disoriented reconstruction was carried out in the 15th century, illustrating the architectural evolutions and changing defensive needs of the period.

The tower is a key part of the local heritage, classified as Historic Monument by decree of 6 December 1948. It is now owned by the municipality of Belvès, located in Dordogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine). Its location, at Peyrignac Square, and its approximate address at 5 Rue des Templiers, highlight its anchoring in the medieval urban fabric. The accuracy of its location is assessed as fair (note 5/10), possibly reflecting the urban changes that have occurred since its construction.

The site, although protected, does not see its current use clearly defined in the available sources: neither its accessibility to the public nor a possible tourist vocation (rent, guest rooms) are mentioned there. The data come mainly from the Merimée database and Monumentum, supplemented by visual observations under Creative Commons license. The lack of details of its precise historical role suggests a function initially linked to the defence or reception of pilgrims, typical of medieval hospitals integrated with fortified systems.

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