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Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Popont, located in the eponymous village of Dordogne (New Aquitaine), has its origins in the 13th century with the mention of a Hospotalis of Sancta Pomponia, probably linked to the order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. The site, originally called San Plainpon, was transformed into a seigneury in the 15th century, with a gabled house and a mâchicoulis square tower redesigned after the Hundred Years War. The family of La Roque, then the Cugnac by covenant in 1552, became its lords until the Revolution.

In the 16th century, the castle was the scene of religious violence: in 1589, Protestants, led by Geoffroy de Vivans, took over the village and partially burned the castle, saving only the dungeon. The latter, characteristic with its round path decorated with clover sculptures, dominates a 15th century house body. A 16th century well and a poterne formerly linking the castle to the church complete the whole, classified as Historical Monument in 1948.

The seigneury of Saint Popont, transmitted by donation in 1552 to John III of Cugnac, remained in this family until the Revolution. Architectural traces, such as sled windows or mâchicoulis, bear witness to the successive transformations between defensive function and seigneurial residence. The castle, partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion, today retains the marks of these upheavals, while illustrating the influence of religious orders and local aristocracy in Black Périgord.

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