Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Beauverger Castle, located in Saulzet in the department of Allier, is a building whose origins date back to the 13th century, although its current structure dates mainly from the 15th century. At that time, it belonged to Merlin de Cordebeuf, who made significant changes to it, including the addition of a rectangular logis flanked by four round towers with bastion-forming foremen. The central stair turret and the mâchicoulis with parapet to murderers bear witness to its defensive character, while the inner rooms are illuminated by sill windows. The castle, partially renovated in the 19th century, lost two of its towers and underwent internal transformations, such as the division of the large hall.

Beauverger Castle was listed as a historic monument in 1929, recognizing its heritage value. Its location at the exit of the village of Saulzet, in the direction of Escurolles, and its access by the D27 make it a historical landmark in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The architectural elements, such as the old door defended by a harrow, the corridor leading to latrines and screw stairs, as well as the high attic, illustrate its residential and defensive use throughout the centuries. The restorations of the 19th century changed certain aspects, such as the coronations of the mâchicoulis, while preserving its medieval appearance.

In the 15th century, the castle reflected the military and residential needs of the local nobility, with spaces organized for daily life and defence. The unequal rooms on the ground floor and first floor, as well as the small rooms in the towers, suggest a hierarchical occupation. The presence of latrines and a screw staircase indicates a concern for relative comfort for the time. Subsequent changes, such as lowering the floor on the first floor, show a gradual adaptation to modern usage, while keeping traces of its medieval past.

External links