Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Vissec Castle, mentioned in 1084, is a medieval building located in the Gard in Occitanie. He could occupy the location of the late Merovingian bishopric of Arisitum, quoted in the History of the Franks of Gregory of Tours as "the spirit of a spring". This description corresponds to the local natural phenomenon: the river la Vis disappears upstream of the village and reappears downstream at the Foux. The site, strategic, successively houses a castellas (primitive castle) and a rebuilt castle after its partial destruction in the seventeenth century.

The original castellas, in ruins since 1656, were shaved in two stages: first in 1628 on the order of the Duke of Rohan during the Wars of Religion, then in 1656 after the conviction of Pierre de Montfaucon for looting. The latter, Baron de Vissec, was imprisoned before being released in 1667 thanks to the intervention of the Prince of Conti. The present castle, built between 1656 and 1666 by Pélize de Thézan, wife of Peter, incorporates medieval remains like two vaults (XIIIth–XVth centuries) and a flamboyant Gothic fireplace. The thick walls (up to 1.10 m) and the Italian staircase bear witness to this architectural superimposition.

The seigneury of Vissec, dependent on the barony of Hierle, passed into the hands of noble families: the Milhas (before 1458), the Montfaucon (1458–162), and the Tour du Pin until the Revolution. In 1792, the castle became well national, looted and partially dismantled. Rached in 1862 by the Bourrier family, their property has remained for 164 years. The village was developed on the ruins of the former lower yard, with houses built in 1458.

Among the personalities related to the site, Gérard Daude de Vissec (XI century) is quoted in the cartular of the Gellone Abbey, while Pierre de Montfalcon (1610–175), a controversial baron, marks history by his abuses and his death sentence in 1654. Anne-Jacquette du Faur de Pibrac, his wife, manages the estate in the 17th century. The castle, inscribed in historical monuments since 2009, preserves traces of its tumultuous past, such as the coat of arms hammered during the Revolution.

The architecture combines defensive elements (courtesy of the castellas, ditches filled in 1655) and residential facilities (guard room, first floor thread). A recent discovery of ancient soil in the antechamber may reveal new data on successive occupations. The site, still inhabited by the descendants of the Bourrier family, embodies the resilience of a heritage linked to water, religious conflicts and the linguistic nobility.

Future

Various exhibitions and cultural activities are planned... All guided tour and free !!!.

Temporary exposure

Aquarelles de Dominique Gioan.
Aquarelles de Jean-Pierre Truffaut.

Temporary animation

Concert Piano Voix par Alexandra Gotthardt (piano ) et Helus Hercygier (Chant) début août... date à confirmer

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