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Origin and history

The Maubourguet Tower is an ancient town gate built in Saint-Loubouer, in the Landes, between the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century. Built probably by the English during their presence in Aquitaine, it served as the main entrance to the fortified village. His name, meaning "bad village", may reflect his defensive role or his turbulent history. Three other similar doors existed at the time, but were later destroyed: two in the Wars of Religion, the third in 1839.

The tower, of square plan, is pierced by an ogival arch topped by a square room with murderers on its four sides. Originally, it had to be higher and have slots. Today, one of its walls is backed by a barn of the Renaissance castle of the lords of Abadie and Noguès. The tower has been listed as a historic monument since October 7, 1935, reflecting its heritage importance.

The village of Saint-Loubouer was fortified in the 13th century, during English domination in Aquitaine. The ramparts and this gate illustrated the desire to protect a strategic territory. The tower of Maubourguet, the only surviving of the four original gates, offers a rare example of medieval military architecture in the Landes, mixing English and local influences.

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