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Origin and history

The Château de Sainte-Croix, located in the commune of Sainte-Croix (Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine), has its origins at the end of the seventeenth century, although its current construction dates mainly from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It was built by the Laulanié family of Sainte-Croix, forges masters who drew their wealth from the local forges, especially those of La Mouline on the Couze river. This noble den, mentioned as early as 1286 in an earlier form, was transformed into an imposing house, marked by a monumental porch and large stables, reflecting the social and economic status of its owners.

The fief was initially linked to Saint-Avit-Seneur Abbey, but its development in the 18th century coincided with the rise of metallurgical activities in the region. The Laulanié, as masters of forges, played a key role in the local economy, exploiting the water resources of the Couze to power their forges. The castle, inscribed in historical monuments in 1948, thus illustrates the alliance between seigneurial power and early industry, characteristic of the Périgord of this period.

Architecturally, the castle is distinguished by its central house body, framed by two pavilions connected by rounded wings, and a workwork decor around the porch. The main façade, surmounted by a triangular pediment, bears witness to the stylistic influences of the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the site was mentioned in the Middle Ages, it was its reconstruction in modern times that gave it its present appearance, mixing noble heritage and utility function related to forges.

The municipality of Sainte-Croix, also locally called Sainte-Croix-de-Beaumont, retains traces of its industrial past with several forges active until the 19th century. The castle, symbol of this prosperity, remains a tangible testimony to the economic and social history of the region, where metallurgy and agriculture coexisted. Its designation as historic monuments in 1948 underlines its heritage importance, both for its architecture and for its role in local history.

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