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Origin and history

Mirabat Castle is a castle in ruins perched at 1242 m above sea level on a rocky hill of the Upper Salat, on the border of the communes of Ustou, Seix and Oust (Ariège). Its name evokes its position as a "baby nest", ideal for monitoring the Pyrenean valleys. Built in the 12th century, this medieval fortress had the task of controlling invasions from the Pyrenean ridges, in coordination with the Castle of the Guard located below. It then depended on the seigneury of the Roger de Comminges, who dominated the Upper Salat.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle housed a small garrison and its dungeon overhanged the area. Its difficult access, mainly from Seix, suggests a connection to the Taule, part of the seigneury located on the right bank. The neighbouring hamlet of La Taula (from the word Occitan for "table" or "registry") probably derives its name from an old toll on cross-border roads, highlighting the economic and strategic role of the site. The Salau, Aula and Marterat passes, monitored from Mirabat, were key crossing points between France and Spain.

In the 13th century, the lords of the Taule and Seix, Roger de Balaguer and Odon de Taurignan, were affiliated with the Barons d'Aspet and the lords of Montegut, historical allies of the Count of Comminges. Their independence from the Viscount of Couserans reflected the geopolitical importance of the area. In 1667 Louis de Froidour, Grand Master of Waters and Forests under Louis XIV, reported that Mirabat was still serving as a signal post, lighting fires at night or smoke during the day to alert the valleys. Abandoned in the 14th century because of its isolation, the site was classified as a historical monument in 1995.

Today, the ruins are limited to remains of the enclosure, built with stones extracted on site. The castle is only accessible on foot, after a hike offering exceptional views of the Pyrenees. Its history illustrates the military and commercial stakes of the border valleys in the Middle Ages, between surveillance, tolls and seigneurial alliances.

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