Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Momas finds its origins in the 11th century with a feudal motte, typical of medieval fortifications. This strategic site, located in the current New Aquitaine, served as a checkpoint and refuge. The remains of the ramparts still remain today on the north-west and south-west sides, testifying to this distant time when the region was marked by seigneurial conflicts and feudal organization.

In the 16th century, the moth was replaced by a rectangular manor house with a west corner tower, reflecting the architectural evolution of the Renaissance. This home, designed for both a residential and a defensive function, fits into a context of political stabilization after medieval wars. The castle is then at the heart of a winery, a major economic activity in the region, as attested by the preserved winemakers and presses.

The 17th century marked a phase of expansion of the mansion, while the 18th century saw interior changes, including a wooden staircase decorated with graffiti. These changes illustrate the adaptation of the castle to the lifestyles of local elites, now more comfortable than defence. The French Revolution fragmented the property: the once prosperous wineries were fragmented, and the vines disappeared in the 20th century, marking the end of this agricultural vocation.

The outbuildings (grange, cudier) and the main house bear traces of local materials, such as pebbles and bricks, typical of the Bearnaise architecture. Note: an ex-voto from Lourdes built into a wall in front of the south-east facade, adding a religious dimension to the site's history. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1989, the castle protects its facades, roofs, interior panels and remains of the castral motte, thus preserving a medieval, reborn and modern heritage.

The wooden staircase of the tower, leading to the attic, and the 19th century fireplace (made with recycled press screws) reveal unique craftsmanship details. These elements, associated with the 18th century graffiti, provide an overview of the daily lives of the occupants. The semi-entered pantry and the panellings remind the practical and aesthetic functions of the castle through the ages.

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