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Origin and history

The Château de Marcellus, located in the department of Lot-et-Garonne, finds its origins in the 14th century with a first fortress probably built by the family of Albret, lords of the place since 1383. This medieval building, now extinct, was used to defend the Garonne plain. In 1581, Henri de Navarre (future Henri IV) sold the castle to Aymeric de Gasq, a councillor at the Parliament of Bordeaux, marking the beginning of a partial reconstruction between the 16th and 17th centuries, as evidenced by an equestrian portrait of Henri IV on a fireplace.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the estate moved to the family Demartin du Tyrac (later Martin du Tyrac de Marcellus). In 1772, the northern pavilions were connected by a terrace supported by arcades. In 1773 the Bordeaux architect Richard-François Bonfin drew up plans for a new castle for Count André Joseph de Martin du Tyrac, whose works, led by master mason Joseph Cazade, were completed in 1775. The current stone castle retains a U-shaped plan with houses and pavilions, while Renaissance elements (such as cantond pavilions) are integrated into the structure.

The interiors, especially the large and small living room, keep their original decoration, including paintings made in 1775 by Joseph Antoine. The estate, passed by alliance to the family of Chérade de Montbron in the 19th century, is now owned by an SCI. Ranked a historical monument in 1986, it combines medieval heritage, Renaissance transformations and 18th century classical elegance, illustrating the architectural and social evolution of the regional nobility.

The architecture of the castle also reflects Bordeaux influences, with reused materials and amenities such as a chapel and a library in the old pavilions. The 19th century works, supervised by the architect Dufart, have restored sculptures, vestibule and salons, while a porch and commons (farm, stables, castle d ́eau) complete the whole, closing the courtyard in a harmonious plan.

The site, dominated by a terrace carved by vaulted cellars, offers a south facade adorned with a grid between two pilaster pillars. The forebody, crowned with semicircular frontons, and the balcony supported by ionic columns highlight the neoclassical style. Despite the partial destruction of the past centuries, the castle preserves traces of its Renaissance history, as evidenced by the remains of the platform and the reuse of materials.

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