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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Vaucluse, also known as the castle of Petrarque or the castle of the bishops of Cavaillon, is a medieval ruin located in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, in the department of Vaucluse. Built around 1030, it is mentioned for the first time in a donation act in 1034, although the current remains probably date back to the early twelfth century. These ruins dominate the village and the resurgence of the Sorgue, offering an exceptional panorama of the region.

In the 14th century, the castle became the summer residence of Philippe de Cabassolle, then bishop of Cavaillon. He was frequently visited by Petrarch, Italian poet and humanist, who had retired to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Their friendship marked the history of the place, definitely associating the castle with the name of Petrarch. The remains, perched on a rocky piton, are located a few hundred meters from the source of the Sorgue.

In 1931, the ruins of the castle were listed as historical monuments, recognizing their heritage value. Today, they belong to the commune of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and remain a major architectural and historical testimony of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Their strategic location, near the source of the Sorgue, makes it an emblematic site of local heritage.

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