Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Vaucluse, also known as the castle of Petrarque or the castle of the bishops of Cavaillon, is a medieval ruin located on a rocky piton overlooking the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Built around 1030, it is mentioned for the first time in an act of donation in 1034, although the current remains mainly date from the early twelfth century. These imposing ruins overlook the resurgence of the Sorgue, a few hundred metres from its source, marking the historical landscape of the region.

In the 14th century, the castle became the summer residence of Philippe de Cabassolle, then bishop of Cavaillon. He regularly welcomed the poet Petrarch, who had retired to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and maintained a close friendship with the bishop. Their relationship marked the cultural history of the place, associating the castle with a major figure in medieval literature.

The ruins of the castle, classified as historical monuments in 1931, still bear witness to its past importance. They dominate the valley and recall the strategic and residential role that this site has played over the centuries, especially for the bishops of Cavaillon. The castle remains a symbol of Provencal heritage, linked to both religious history and literary memory.

The site is closely associated with local geography, with its position overlooking the source of the Sorgue. This proximity to a major water point probably contributed to his choice as a place of residence and power, illustrating the importance of natural resources in the settlement of medieval buildings.

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