Construction of geminated windows XIIe siècle (première moitié) (≈ 1250)
Early medieval architecture of the castle.
XIIIe siècle
Addition of enclosure and house
Addition of enclosure and house XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Strengthening of stone fortifications.
8 octobre 1998
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 8 octobre 1998 (≈ 1998)
Legal protection of the castle and its surroundings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The castle, in its entirety, with its motte, its entrenchments, its stone fortifications and the ground included inside the enclosure (cad. A 128, 138, 141-144, 147): registration by order of 8 October 1998
Origin and history
The Castle of Castet, also known as the Abadie Tower, is a historic monument located in the commune of Castet, New Aquitaine. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, it is the only vicomtal castle in the valley. This site is distinguished by its earthen trenches, completed later by a stone enclosure and a reinforced house of a tower in the 13th century. These fortifications also include the Saint-Polycarpe church and the nearby cemetery, highlighting its central role in the local organization.
The groined windows of the castle date from the first half of the 12th century, testifying to its early medieval architecture. The cut-off camp, with its stone fortifications and motte, was classified as Historic Monument by order of 8 October 1998. Today, the site is partly owned by the municipality and partly by private owners. Although its state of conservation and accessibility are not detailed, its location is specified at the approximate address of 19 Church Street in Castet.
The castle illustrates the evolution of defensive techniques between the 12th and 13th centuries, changing from simple earthcuts to more durable stone structures. Its enclosure, including religious elements such as the church and the cemetery, suggests a military, administrative and community function. This type of vicomtal castle was often the seat of a local power, controlling the economic and social activities of the valley.
