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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Piquecos, erected between 1439 and 1510 by Hugues de Prez de Montpezat, chamberlain of Louis XI, replaces a 14th century fortress itself built on the remains of a Roman oppidum. This first building was destroyed at the end of the 14th century, before John IV des Près, bishop of Montauban, largely rebuilt the castle between 1519 and 1539, in a style combining defensive elements (semicircular towers, courtines) and residential (logis, monumental chimneys). François I stayed there in 1542, and the site served as a refuge in the bishopric of Montauban during the Wars of Religion, several of its owners belonging to the family of Montpezat.

In the 17th century, the castle underwent reshuffles, whose wing layout was around 1641, while Louis XIII made several stays there in 1621-1622. The French Revolution led the towers to the base of the mâchicoulis, and the floor was derailed. At the beginning of the 19th century (1805-1813), entrance pavilions were added. The building preserves remarkable elements, such as a stone staircase, 15th-century wall paintings in the chapel (representing nine Sybilles), and underground enclosures.

Ranked Historic Monument in 1945 for its building and in 1951 for its paintings, the castle illustrates the architectural and political evolution of the region, from medieval conflicts to post-revolutionary transformations. Its square plan containing four towers, partially preserved, and its interior decorations (top of door attributed to Pietro de Cortone) testify to its past prestige, linked to both the local nobility and the Montauban clergy.

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