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Origin and history

The castle of Polminhac, often confused with that of Laroque-des-Arcs, is actually located in the territory of Cahors, on the edge of the Lot valley. Its oval enclosure, flanked by circular turrets, evokes an ancient bloated castral mot, although it rests on a rocky base. The site includes a 12th-century circular dungeon, partially built of stone, and 17th and 18th-century buildings, renovated in the 20th century. The layout of the enclosure and construction techniques suggest an inspiration from philippian models, such as the Louvre by Philippe Auguste, reflecting Capetian influence in the region.

The origin of the castle is related to the protection of the Roman aqueduct feeding Cahors, dismantled by the English during the Hundred Years War. The remains indicate two major construction campaigns: the first, made of stone, dates from the late 12th or early 13th century, while the second, marked by the use of brick, dates back to the middle or second half of the 13th century. The dungeon, with three levels and a stone dome, features stylistic Romanesque and Gothic elements, such as the enraging leafed capitals, comparable to those of Cahors Cathedral.

The castle was initially a residence of the Viscounts of Cahors before passing into the hands of the Gourdon family. In the 15th century, it was designated as Gordo's boria and depended on the bishop, with a status as a simple feudal den. The medieval texts mention links between Polminhac and Laroque-des-Arcs, notably through matrimonial alliances between local lords, such as Hugues de Laroque and Fortanier de Gourdon. The renovations of the 16th and 17th centuries changed the interior distribution, but the site's prestige, combined with ancient remains, continued.

Defensive elements, such as barbacan and machicolis, as well as the columnized windows of the medieval house, illustrate the evolution of military and residential techniques. The tower, with its spirals and its ring staircase, reveals a sophisticated design for the time. Traces of bricks above the stone beds suggest interruption or resumption of work, possibly due to damage or change of ownership. The castle, inscribed in the Historical Monuments in 1963, remains a remarkable example of feudal architecture in Quercy.

The location of the castle, near the old aqueduct and the town of Laroque-des-Arcs, underscores its strategic role in protecting water resources and communication routes. Historical records, such as the Postminiago toponym (Xth–XI centuries), confirm its anchoring in a network of vicomtal fortifications. Despite subsequent transformations, the site retains unique features, such as the taunting of the tower inspired by the Louvre, reflecting cultural and political exchanges between Quercy and the royal domain.

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