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Origin and history

The Johannie Castle is a feudal house built in the 14th century in Curemonte, Corrèze, by the Jean family (or Johannes in Latin, meaning "Château des Jean"). This lineage, present in the region from the thirteenth century, leaves traces written like Hugues de la Johannie, Damoiseau de Curemonte, which pays homage to the Viscount of Turenne in 1405. The residence, initially linked to a command office of the women's order of Malta, then passes into the hands of local merchants and noble families.

In the 15th century, the castle was acquired by Sieur Lebrun, a merchant of Martel, who gave it to his daughter when he married Pierre de Vassal in 1460. In debt, the Vassals neglected its maintenance, leading to its gradual ruin. In the 16th century, the property changed hands again by marriage alliances, passing to the Dambert and Plas families. After centuries of partial abandonment, a major restoration was undertaken in 1971, followed by an acquisition in 1987 by Pierre Wack, under the supervision of the architect of the Historical Buildings.

The architecture of the castle is characterized by two square buildings, connected by a square tower housing a staircase with screws. Four chimneys, spread across the east and west wings, as well as the facade and roof, have been protected since being added to the additional inventory of historic monuments on 22 November 1981. The site thus illustrates the evolution of a strong medieval house, transformed according to modern heritages and restorations.

The archives also mention a possible earlier origin, with a first construction dated 1083, although this hypothesis remains less documented. The Johannie Castle is part of a network of local monuments, alongside the castles of Plas and Saint-Hilaire, also located in Curemonte.

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