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Origin and history

Mandajors Castle, built in the 12th century on a rocky spur along the royal road, belonged to the lord of Mandajors. It was located in the diocese of Alais and dominated a jurisdiction of 25 "fires". Its main local resources were chestnuts and mulberry trees, with little wine or wheat. The region, marked by a rural economy, depended on the production of hula hoops from chestnuts.

Noble Pierre des Ours, the last lord of Mandajors, died in 1684 at the age of 80 and was buried in the castle chapel. After his death, the castle passed to the Barons of Alais and was abandoned until 1702, when a royal garrison was installed there during the Camisards' War. The King's dragons were stationed there to monitor Protestants, but the site, isolated and difficult to refuel, became a target. On 17 November 1702, a supply convoy was attacked by the Camisards, causing repeated fighting.

In 1703 the royal soldiers partially demolished the castle to prevent its use by the Camisards. On 9 February of the same year, Chief Camisard Rolland set fire to it, leaving nothing but ruins. Today, the chapel remains — still used as a place of worship and considered the smallest Protestant temple in France — basements carved from the rock, remains of towers and a bread oven. The chapel, restored in 1999 and 2006, retains its lauze roof.

Architecturally, the castle included a main body flanked by two towers, according to a 13th century lead mine belonging to the Chamsky-Mandajors family. Its strategic position made it a key checkpoint during the Cevennes' religious conflicts. The chapel, the only intact element, bears witness to its seigneurial and military past.

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