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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Château de La Tourette, located on the town of Vernoux-en-Vivarais in the department of Ardèche, is a defensive site whose origins date back to the fourteenth century. The current remains mainly include a square dungeon, typical of medieval buildings of this time. This castle, partially in ruins, bears witness to the military architecture of the region at the end of the Middle Ages and at the beginning of the Renaissance.

The site also includes a fortified house, built in the 15th and 16th centuries, which integrates into a wider defensive complex. This house, located on a masonry terrace, probably served as a checkpoint or secondary residence. The entire estate, including the remains of the castle and the fortified house, was inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 7 November 1996, thus recognizing its heritage importance.

The Château de La Tourette illustrates the evolution of fortification techniques between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Its square dungeon, characteristic of the 14th century castles, contrasts with the subsequent developments of the 15th and 16th centuries, reflecting the architectural adaptations associated with the political and military changes of the period. Today, the ruins offer an overview of local history and the defensive organization of the region.

The monument is located precisely at 5269 Chemin de la Tourette, in Vernoux-en-Vivarais, in a landscaped setting that probably played a role in its defensive function. The protected elements include the remains of the castle, the facades and roofs of the strong house, as well as the terrace on which it is located. These protections aim to preserve a major architectural and historical heritage of the Ardèche.

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