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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château du Roi, located in Saint-Emilion, is the only dungeon of Romanesque era preserved intact in the department of Gironde. Built in the 13th century, it is part of the fortifications of the city, whose origins date back to 1199. This dungeon was reportedly erected by the same engineer as the ramparts, playing a key role in the local defensive system. It is distinguished by its square structure, built on a rocky base isolated by ditches, and reinforced by flat foothills at the angles and centre of the faces.

The castle consists of two low courts and the central dungeon, which consists of three bunk floors, including the ground floor. Although its top was demolished, the remains of the surrounding walls suggest that it did not exceed the height of the round roads. Ranked Historic Monument by decree of 12 July 1886, the fortified dungeon bears witness to medieval military architecture and the strategic importance of Saint-Emilion, a city renowned for its wine heritage and its history linked to regional conflicts.

Available sources, including Monumentum, highlight its remarkable state of conservation despite partial destruction. The site, located at 7 Rue du Couvent, remains a rare example of preserved Romanesque dungeon, offering an overview of construction and defence techniques of the Middle Ages. Its classification in 1886 confirms its heritage value, although the practical information on its visit or current use is not detailed in the archives consulted.

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