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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The camp or castellaras de la Malle is a dry stone enclosure classified as a historic monument since April 8, 1909, located 3 km northeast of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, in the Alpes-Maritimes. With its 108 m long and 31 m wide, it is the largest of the 418 enclosures recorded in the department in 1996. Its main rampart, 4 m wide and 5 m high, dominates one at-pitch to the south, while a second enclosure protects access. Cabin funds were found there, confirming a human occupation.

It is said to be from the Iron Age, a period marked by conflicts over the control of agricultural and mining resources. In the vicinity, traces of metallurgical activity (iron mine, slag, copper deposit) were discovered, particularly in the Ferrier sector below. These discoveries suggest a major economic and strategic role for the site, which would have required several years of construction work. Its altitude (1,200 m) and its overhanging position made it an ideal control point on the plain.

Studyed by archaeologist Paul Goby, Castellaras de la Malle is part of a network of 21 enclosures between Saint-Cézaire and Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, a transitional zone between the coastal plains and the Prealpes. These fortifications, typical of ancient times, reflect a collective organization in the face of regional tensions. Their dry stone construction, without mortar, demonstrates architectural techniques adapted to local resources. The site remains the property of the municipality and has been the subject of heritage protection for more than a century.

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