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Origin and history

The castle of La Martinie, located in Segonzac, Dordogne, has its origins in a 15th century fortified farm, transformed into a castle by Alain de La Faye between 1582 and 1611. The latter, having received in dowry the farmhouse of Martinie in Coulaures, erected this castle on the lands of his wife, Jeanne Vigier, in Segonzac. The name Martinie was thus transplanted from Coulaures to this new site. The original building, probably from the 15th century, was surrounded by machicolis and a crenelated round road, typical of late medieval fortifications. Upon Alain's death in 1629, the castle was not yet completed, as can be seen from later inventories.

The castle experienced major extensions in the 17th century, including the addition of a new pavilion (east tower) and an arcade gallery dating from 1660, as indicated by an inscription on the porch platform. During the troubles of the Fronde and the local wars in Périgord, the courtyard of the castle served as a refuge for the surrounding populations, sheltering families and movable property. The inventory of 1653, written after the death of Isabelle de Lambertie, evokes these disturbances and wars which shook the region, stressing the protective role of the castle.

Property of La Faye until the Revolution, the castle was confiscated as national property and sold. The widow La Faye, imprisoned in Ribérac for selfish wealth, lost the estate, then bought by the Viscount of Segonzac. The castle, partially dismantled in the 19th and 20th centuries (disappearance of the east and west walls), now preserves four corner towers, a south courtine, and a 17th century western house body. The 14th century chapel, located in the southwest tower, and the mâchicoulis recall its medieval origin.

Ranked a historic monument in 1970 for its facades and roofs, the castle of La Martinie illustrates the architectural evolution of the perigord fortresses, moving from a defensive role to a seigneurial residence. Its trapeze plan, inspired by Beauséjour Castle, and its strategic position between the Dronne and Isle valleys make it a remarkable example of the castral heritage of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

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