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Origin and history

Montespieu Castle, located in Navès in the Tarn, is a neo-medieval fortress built in the 16th century on bases dating back to the 12th century. It was entirely rebuilt around 1510 by Peter III of Huc, then rebuilt in the seventeenth century and restored in 1900. The castle, surrounded by seven towers, presents the architectural features of a late medieval fortress.

In the 12th century, the seigneury of Montespieu belonged to the knights of Caudière, with Pierre I of Caudière as the first known lord. At the end of the 14th century, she passed to the Hue or Hugues family. The primitive castle, located about one league from the present, was in ruins around 1508, which led to the construction of the present castle.

In the 16th century, the castle was owned by the families of Huc, Padiès, then Toulouse-Lautrec. He suffered several lootings and fires, notably in 1570 and 1592, in the context of the Wars of Religion. In 1591 the lords of Montfa opposed the inhabitants of Labruguière, and in 1592 the castle was attacked by a soldier from Labruguière. These events reflect the religious and political tensions of the time.

In 1600 the castle was acquired by Abel de Suc, a reformed president of the Chamber of Edict of Castres. An act of 1664 described the necessary repairs, mentioning the ditches, the dovecote and the entrance to the east. The families of Scorbiac and Judge followed each other as owners. During the French Revolution, the niches were slashed, but the castle was restored at the end of the 19th century by architect Henri-Paul Nénot.

The castle, registered as a historical monument in 1992, is now used for events such as weddings. Its architecture, with three wings around an inner courtyard and seven towers, makes it a remarkable example of a neo-medieval fortress. The dovecote, located in the park, is also a notable feature of the estate.

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