Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Ramefort Castle, camped on a rocky plateau 30 metres above the Dronne valley, occupies a strategic position between Brantôme and Bourdeilles. Its origin dates back to the 11th century with a first fortified den, but the oldest remains still visible date back to the 13th century: a trilobed window and a niche in the large hall. The medieval fortress, originally composed of a square Romanesque tower and a watchtower, controlled the road along the river. The lords of Ramefort, vassals of the abbots of Brantôme, are mentioned from the twelfth century in the archives of the abbey of Ligueux.

In the 15th century, after the Hundred Years' War, the castle was enlarged with a house to the west, a northeast corner tower with a castral chapel in the basement, and an octagonal staircase tower. The entrance chestnut, crowned with machicolis, was also built at that time. The estate then extends on the left bank of the Dronne, including land in Bourdeilles, Brantôme and Condat. The successive families — Mourenne (XVI century), Barriasson (XVII century), and Durand de Ramefort (since the 18th century) — ensured their survival, despite the destruction of three towers during the Revolution.

In the 19th century, the architect Dubet profoundly altered the castle: it enhanced the octagonal tower, covered it with slates like the house, and added a new building. A column gallery replaces the old buildings. These transformations were partially cancelled in the 20th century, notably in 1935 with the replacement of stables with new buildings, and in the 1980s with the elevation of the east wall of the master tower. The castle, partially protected since 1980 (facades and roofs), bears witness to these many architectural epochs.

The site preserves medieval defensive elements, such as the wall of walls pierced with murderers, a dry moat to the west, and a natural tip to the east. The traffic between the ancient parts and the seigneurial houses was ensured by a staircase in screws, with a conical roof in flat tiles. The castral chapel, the square tower overlooking the entrance, and the door windows illustrate the evolution of the castle, from an austere fortress to a seigneurial residence adapted to later times.

External links