Château de Conforgien à Saint-Martin-de-la-Mer en Côte-d'or

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Conforgien is a medieval building located in the bocage du Morvan in Saint-Martin-de-la-Mer (Côte-d-Or), 8 km south of Saulieu. It consists of a 14th century square tower, little modified, and a 16th century house body. The whole, partly in ruins, is located southwest of the village, on the west bank of RD 105, near the hamlet of Conforgien. Its architecture combines defensive elements (archères-canonniers, dungeon foussoyé) and residential developments (feneau windows, chimneys).

In 1461, a strong tower was mentioned as belonging to Hugues de Clugny. In the 16th century, the castle became a Protestant bastion under Guy de Cluny, as evidenced by the inscription of 1573: "Conforgian ancient fortress of Protestants; Guillaume de Cluny and Louise d'Anlezy made me do it." The Renaissance dungeon and wing, inscribed in the Historical Monuments in 1995, recall this dual military and religious vocation, with a "Tour du Prêche" still visible.

The building illustrates the architectural transformations between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: the medieval tower, with thick walls and narrow openings, contrasts with the house of the sixteenth century, pierced windows enlarged in 1573. The lower yard, flanked by agricultural buildings, and a well complete the whole. Despite its state of ruin, a restoration project is mentioned, highlighting its heritage interest.

The castle is linked to the history of Protestantism in Burgundy, serving as a place of worship for Huguenots until the eighteenth century. Abbé Short Sword, in 1774, described a "castle in ruins" that had housed preaching. This religious function, combined with its defensive role, makes it a witness to the religious tensions of the modern era.

Private property since the 18th century, the castle is now classified for its dungeon and Renaissance wing. The protected elements (cadastre AX 102) include defensive remains (stairs tower, latrines, shooting windows) and traces of 16th-century developments, such as the monumental fireplace or window dusts.

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