Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Mauléon Castle, nicknamed the "old castle", was erected in the 11th century as a wooden castral motte on a hill, surrounded by a palisade and a ditch. It became a symbol of the Viscounty of Soul, before being reinforced in stone between the 13th and 15th centuries under the authority of the kings of England, then of France. Its fortifications, adapted to artillery, made it a major stronghold in Guyenne, described in the 15th century as "the strongest castel in the region".

In the Middle Ages, the castle was a strategic issue between France and England. In 1261 King Henry III of England set up a captain-châtelain there to represent his military authority. His successors, such as Édouard I (1272–87), ordered reparations and reinforcements, continued in 1319 and 1374. The French reconquest, initiated by Gaston IV de Foix-Béarn in 1449, culminated in his permanent attachment to France in 1472 after his death in battle.

The castle suffered several partial assaults and destructions: burned during the Wars of Religion (XVI century), dismantled in 1642 on the order of Louis XIII, then partially rebuilt in 1648 before being abandoned. During the Revolution, he served as a prison and then housed a garrison until 1870, when the city became its owner. It was a historic monument in 1925 and today preserves medieval remains, including a well of 29 meters, oblivions, and the ruins of its dungeon, which was destroyed in the 18th century.

Architecturally, the castle adopts a pentagonal plan, surrounded by uncenneled walls reinforced by three towered angle. Its murderers, adapted to artillery, concentrate on the city. Access is via a three arch stone bridge, replacing an old drawbridge. The inner courtyard reveals traces of vaulted casemates and an unfinished royal shield, showing changes under Louis XVIII or Charles X. The site, classified archaeological, offers a rare example of a medieval castle transformed for modern war.

Mauléon Castle also served as a cinematic setting for the Living World of Eugene Green. Today, it dominates the city from a hill at 439 meters above sea level, between the Pyrenees and the Bearnaise plain, marking the military and political history of the Soul.

Future

Mauleon... what to say, his story, these tanneries... his cooking museum...... many things to see

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