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Origin and history

The castle of Turenne, located in Corrèze in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is an ancient medieval castrum mentioned in the eighth century. Originally linked to the conflicts between Francs and Aquitaines, he was seized by Pépin the Short in 767, then entrusted to local lords such as Immon, the first Count of Quercy. The relics of Saint Martial were sheltered there in the ninth century to protect them from Viking invasions. The site became the heart of the Viscounty of Turenne, with strengthened fortifications between the 12th and 14th centuries, notably under the influence of Capetians and Plantagenes.

The present structure shows vestiges of the 13th and 14th centuries, including the tower of Caesar (circular dungeon) and the tower of the Treasury (rectangular dungeon), connected by ramparts. These elements reflect architectural changes related to the conflicts between the kings of France and the Dukes of Aquitaine. The castle was also an issue during the Wars of Religion, with a chamber added in the 16th century by Protestant Viscount Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne. After the sale of the Viscount to King Louis XV in 1738, some of the buildings were destroyed, leaving only traces of the houses and the chapel of Saint-Martial.

The excavations and studies of the building suggest a continuous occupation since the Carolingian era, with major redevelopments in the 12th–13th centuries. The tower of Caesar, attributed to Raymond IV (early 13th century), symbolizes the rallying to the French crown, while the tower of the Treasury illustrates the castral architecture limousine. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1840, the site also protects archaeological remains excavated in 2015, demonstrating its strategic role in regional history.

The castle was a place of power for the Viscounts of Turenne, who struck change until 1317 and enjoyed a relative autonomy between Capetians and Plantagenets. Its decline began after 1738, but its ruins, with their three successive towers and enclosures, remained a notable example of the evolution of medieval fortifications in Limousin. The 17th century archives and medallions evoke missing houses, emphasizing its importance as a seigneurial residence and stronghold.

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