Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Pomayrols Castle, located in the Aveyron department in Occitanie, is a medieval building built on a hill overlooking the Lot Valley. Its origins date back to at least the thirteenth century, with written traces attesting to its existence in 1261. The present castle is the result of successive reconstructions, especially in 1446, after major works in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Its thick walls, crenelated towers and ditches make it a typical example of defensive architecture of the time.

In the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt by the workers' corporation of the Domery of Aubrac, then strengthened in the 14th century, when a bridge was built to transport materials. In 1446, a major reconstruction took place, motivated by the continued threat of the big companies after their looting. The castle, with two towers of 28 meters, housed vaulted rooms, undergrounds, and a chapel. Its shale and hard mortar walls, with sandstone corners, reflect robust construction techniques.

The castle was owned by several noble families, including the Cayrodes (1261–1408), the La Romiguière, and the Murat de Lestang. The latter, close to the court of Versailles, owned it until 1687. In 1568, during the Wars of Religion, he was looted and burned by Huguenots, resulting in the partial destruction of his defences. In the 17th century, the Murat of Lestang, absent from the estate, passed it on by inheritance until its sale in 1754 to the Dupont of Ligonnes.

In the 19th century, the castle, in ruins, was bought by Augustin Eimar de Jabrun, then by Xavier Fournier, who rebuilt the damaged parts. In 1905, part was sold to the commune of Pomayrols, transformed into a school, town hall and housing. Today, although not classified as a historical monument, it houses a museum of agricultural tools and reception rooms, testifying to its central role in local history.

The 19th century excavations and searches, conducted by Eimar de Jabrun, revealed architectural details such as underground, tanks and defensive systems. The castle, despite its transformations, preserves remarkable medieval elements, such as its towers and crenellated walls. Its history reflects the political and religious upheavals of the Rouergue, between border conflicts, Wars of Religion and decline of feudalism.

The Murat family of Lestang particularly marked its history, with figures such as Gabriel, a hospitable knight who died in Rhodes in 1522, or Antoine, victim of religious violence in 1568. After 1687, the castle changed hands several times before being saved from ruin by local artisans. Today, it remains a symbol of the medieval heritage of Aveyron, open to visits for its museum and communal spaces.

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