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Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Faverges-de-la-Tour, mentioned from the fourteenth century, has its origins in a long earlier period. Owned by the family of Virieu from 1230 onwards, it occupied a strategic position, controlling major roads such as the ancient Roman road from Augustum between Vienna and Aosta, as well as the medieval road from Morestel to Evrieu, nicknamed via Favergeysia. Its name, derived from Ad Fabrices (the forges), evokes an ancient metallurgical activity, shared with other Alpine regions such as Valais or Savoie. Originally, the neighbouring parish bore the name of Saint-Barthélemy, before adopting that of the castle at the end of the thirteenth century, during the communal separation.

Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the castle underwent several architectural changes. A enclosure reinforced by a vaulted terrace and 18th century communes (including stables dated 1732) testify to its evolution. The southeast tower, once a vigy tower, was beheaded during the Revolution to symbolize Republican equality. In the 19th century, the architect Bresson added pseudo-Italian elements, such as a mâchicoulis circle, while an attempt to add turrets partially failed. The site, formerly a luxury hotel (Relais & Châteaux until 2004), now hosts business seminars.

The national road 75, formerly known as Chemin des nanceces, illustrates the local social history: taken by Savoyards travelling to Lyon to look for children to be placed as a nurse, it reflects the human and economic exchanges of the region. The castle, by its position and its transformations, thus embodies both a military heritage, a seigneurial residence, and a place of life adapted to successive periods.

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