Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Mazères, located in Barran (Gers), has its origins in a medieval agricultural estate mentioned in the 11th century as Villa de Maceria. The first donations of land and vineyards, like that of Peter of Vic in 1090, gradually enriched the archbishopric of Auch. Although remains of 12th century towers remain, it is Amanieu II of Armagnac, archbishop from 1261 to 1318, who erected the essentials of the present castle towards the end of the 13th century. The inventory of 1318 and architectural elements (like a sculpted rose similar to that of Majorca Palace, dated 1291) suggest this period. The castle then comprises six major spaces: pantry, archbishop's room, aula, chapel, church (disappeared), and a central house.

In the 15th–15th century, the castle underwent major transformations under the impulse of the archbishops. Jean de la Trémoille (1490–1507) added a south portal and dug the current moat. Dominique de Vic (1625–1661) enlarged the communes, built pavilions, and rearranged the interior. Jean-François de Montillet (1742–76) opened large windows and sumptuously decorated the interiors, as evidenced by the gypseries of the salon and the chamber of the archbishop. The chapel, whose painted decoration was redone in the 19th century, illustrates these stylistic developments. At the time of the Revolution, the castle was sold as a national good, then passed into the hands of private families (Baron Baur, de Ferbeaux), who embellished before its decline in the 20th century.

Ranked as a Historic Monument in 1981 and 1989 (including a pool and nymph), the castle was bought in 1981 by private individuals who undertook its restoration. Its quadrilateral architecture, surrounded by ditches, combines defensive elements (Twelve century towers, southwest dungeon) and residential elements (Arcade courtyard, common). During the First World War, part of the buildings served as a health hospital. The current protections cover facades, roofs, moats, chapel, stairs, and interior decorations (gypseries), thus preserving a major testimony of the episcopal heritage gascon.

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