Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Belcastel, mentioned in 1221 under the name Pulchrum Castellum, was a castle overlooking the village. Its existence is confirmed in the 14th century under the name Bello Castello, but its exact origin remains uncertain. It belonged to the family of Lescure in the 15th century, before being sold in 1563 to Raymond de Bérail, triggering conflicts related to the Wars of Religion.

During the Wars of Religion, the castle changed hands several times between Catholics and Protestants. Amans de Lescure, a Protestant, challenged the sale and occupied the castle before being expelled. In 1585 François de Bérail took definitive possession of it. The castle was probably destroyed during these conflicts or burned during the French Revolution.

In the 19th century, the family of Lacoste, owner since the 18th century, built a new Renaissance castle near the ruins of the ancient. This castle, with its Mansart roof and brick facades, became the residence of Joseph de Belcastel, deputy of Tarn, until his death in 1942. In 1969, the estate passed to Laurens-Castelet's family.

The church of Saint-Étienne de Belcastel, initially a castral chapel, bears witness to the historical link between the castle and the village. Its bell tower once served as a monitoring tower, reinforcing the defensive role of the site.

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