First mention of Rabestan 1130 (≈ 1130)
First written trace of the medieval castle.
1430-1440
Partial destruction of the castle
Partial destruction of the castle 1430-1440 (≈ 1435)
Donjon partially spared, remains destroyed.
1558
Fire by Protestants
Fire by Protestants 1558 (≈ 1558)
Grange, barn and furniture destroyed or looted.
1589
Destruction by Henri de Navarre
Destruction by Henri de Navarre 1589 (≈ 1589)
Castle almost completely shaved by his troops.
XVIIe siècle
Reconstruction of the castle
Reconstruction of the castle XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Addition of a court room and chapel.
1858
Destruction of the main building
Destruction of the main building 1858 (≈ 1858)
Courtroom, archives and chapel destroyed.
17 février 1987
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 17 février 1987 (≈ 1987)
Protection of the estate and remains.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Domaine de Rabestan with the dovecote and the remains of the castle (cad. A 202 to 204): inscription by decree of 17 February 1987
Key figures
Henri de Navarre - Military leader and future Henri IV
Responsible for destruction in 1589.
Origin and history
Rabestan Castle was first mentioned in 1130, making it an ancient medieval monument. Between 1430 and 1440, the castle was almost entirely destroyed, with the exception of the dungeon, partially spared. This first episode of destruction marks the beginning of a turbulent history, linked to regional conflicts and successive architectural transformations.
In 1558 the Protestants burned down the outbuildings of the castle (grange and stable) and looted its furniture. At that time, access to the lower yard was ensured by a wooden bridge, while the castle itself was protected by a drawbridge. A square pavilion had replaced the former dungeon, and a building with a staircase, built on two cellars, dominated the courtyard. These adjustments reflect an adaptation to the defensive and residential needs of the time.
In 1589, the castle suffered almost total destruction by the troops of Henri de Navarre, then in conflict in the region. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, including a building housing a court room, archives and a chapel, destroyed around 1858. Today, only remains of the castle: the arase of the exterior walls, two corner turrets, a well and the traces of a feudal motte to the south. These elements reflect its historical significance and architectural evolution.
The estate of Rabestan, including the dovecote and the remains of the castle, was inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 17 February 1987. This protection recognizes the heritage value of the site, despite successive destructions. The moat surrounding the exterior walls and the remains of the feudal moth recall its medieval origin and defensive role in the region.
