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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Canet-en-Roussillon, mentioned from the 11th century as a vicomtal stronghold, was built on a hill north of the present village. Its first pebbly ramparts, as well as the chapel of Saint Martin decorated with Lombard arches, date from this period. The site, strategic near the coast and the valley of the Tet, was consolidated by the kings of Majorca and then by Aragon, who placed faithful vassals there. Brick walls, typical of the 14th century, came to reinforce the trapezoidal enclosure, while a columns patio and a fortified tower overlooking the apse of the chapel were added. The chapel, initially with a unique nave, was vaulted in the 12th century and served as a parish church until the 16th century, before being replaced by the church of St James.

In the 14th century, the castle welcomed residential and defensive developments, such as archeries and a round tower, perhaps the ancient dungeon. In 1415, Emperor Sigismund I stopped there one night on his journey to Perpignan to meet the anti-pope Benedict XIII and King Ferdinand I of Aragon. The following centuries saw the addition of an ice well in 1688, near the chapel, showing advanced conservation techniques for the time. After the French Revolution, the abandoned castle served as a stone quarry for the inhabitants before being classified as a historical monument in 1984.

The excavations and restorations carried out since the 1960s by the Association Les Amis du Vieux Canet have saved some of the structures. Remaining remains include the raised north and l-abside wall of the chapel, the base of the dungeon, as well as the 17th century underground cooler, covered with a dome. The works also reconstructed the south and west walls of the chapel, while preserving the original walls. Today, the site offers a panorama of medieval and modern architectural evolution in Roussillon, between fortifications, worship and seigneurial life.

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