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Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Izaire, built in the early 14th century (1317-1346), was originally built by Guillaume Rotlindes before being offered to the abbey of Vabres. It became the property of the bishops of Vabres in 1317 and served as a summer residence and refuge during the unrest, especially during the Hundred Years War, where an English garrison occupied it until 1370. The ramparts were restored under the episcopate of William of Bastidos (Bishop IX), while the religious conflicts of the sixteenth century (fire of Vabres in 1568) pushed the bishops to settle there for a long time.

In the 17th century, the castle was renovated to accommodate episcopal apartments, with works led by François III de la Valette-Cornusson (1639-1644) and continued under Louis de Baradat, goddaughter of Louis XIV. The latter organized diocesan synods there, such as that of 1679. After a gradual abandonment (declared "oldest" in 1710), the castle was sold as a national good in 1791, then fragmented in the 19th century. It will house a school, a presbytery, and finally the town hall since 2004, while retaining remarkable elements: 14th century frescoes, Baroque ceiling (XVIIe) and traces of painted decorations.

Architecturally, this quadrangular castle, made of red stone, combines defensive features (murder, partially demolished dungeon tower) and residential features (slippers in screws, chapel with geometric decorations covered with 18th century scenes). Ranked a historic monument in 1991, it is now managed by the municipality, which has installed a local museum and cultural spaces, perpetuating its central role in the life of Saint-Izaire.

Its history reflects the political and religious upheavals of the Rouergue: from medieval wars to conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, to its adaptation to the needs of bishops under the Old Regime. The transformation into a communal good in the 20th century allowed it to be preserved, while stipulating in collective memory as a symbol of the Aveyron heritage.

The written sources, such as the Memoirs of the Society of Letters, Science and Arts of Aveyron (1842), as well as the archives of the Abbey of Vabres, attest to its regional importance. The architectural changes (17th century) and interior decorations (frescoes, painted ceilings) illustrate the evolution of its use, from episcopal fortress to power and culture.

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