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Origin and history

Mons Castle, mentioned in 1299 as "Montz", originally belonged to the family of Polignac, one of the most influential in the Velay. In 1331 Armand de Polignac donated it to his doctor, Jean de Murs, who sold it in 1342 to Gilbert de Saint-Germain Laprade. Little information remains about this period before the 16th century, when the castle became a strategic possession of the family of La Tour Saint-Vidal, notably under Antoine II, a major figure in the wars of Religion in Velay.

At the beginning of the seventeenth century, the castle was sold to Hugues Spert after the fire of his own castle of Volhac by the troops of the Duke of Ventadour. In 1650, after his death, the castle was the target of an attempt to kidnap his daughter, Marie Isabeau Spert, by Charles de Molette. A century later, in 1759, the castle became a resting place for the major seminary of Puy, before being confiscated during the Revolution.

In 1839, the Jesuits acquired the castle and made major improvements between 1840 and 1842, including a chapel and the transformation of a dovecote into a Marian oratory. Expelled in 1880, they returned in 1919 for summer stays. In the 20th century, the castle changed hands several times, including the White Fathers of Vals and the Pensionnat Notre-Dame de France, before being registered for historical monuments in 1995 thanks to the intervention of Mrs.Sunhant and the Association for the Protection of the Castle of Mons.

The architecture of the castle reflects its many transformations: a 15th century main tower, redevelopments in the 16th century, an 18th century portal and oratory, as well as Jesuit additions in the 19th century, such as a dormitory wing and a gallery. A fire in 1683 partially destroyed the building, while frescoes attributed to André Bouler adorn the interior of the 20th century. Its strategic role during the religious wars and its subsequent religious use make it a key witness to local history.

The historical context of the Velay, marked by rivalries between noble families (Polignac, La Tour Saint-Vidal) and the bishops of Puy, as well as the wars of Religion, explains the military and symbolic importance of the castle. The Jesuits developed an intense missionary activity there, catechizing the surrounding parishes until the beginning of the 20th century. Today, the castle, partially protected, embodies this heritage both seigneurial and religious.

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