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Origin and history

The rampart of Levens is one of the last vestiges of a medieval defensive system built between the 13th and 14th centuries around the village, itself organized around a strong castle erected from the 11th century. This castle, initially a watchtower against the Saracen incursions, became the heart of a fief controlled by the Riquier d'Êze family until the 15th century, before passing to the Grimaldi of Bueil. The construction of the ramparts coincides with a period of regional tensions and economic development, especially after the completion of the salt road in 1434, linking Nice to the valley of Vesubia.

In the 16th century, relations between the Grimaldi, lords of Levens, and the Dukes of Savoy were marked by repeated conflicts. The fief was confiscated and then returned twice, and in 1525 the Grimaldi burned down the village. The revolt of the inhabitants in 1621, triggered after the execution of Annibal Grimaldi by the Duke of Savoie, led to the destruction of the castle and ramparts by ducal order in 1622. Today, only one door remains near the Portal House, which was listed as a historic monument in 1942.

The boutaù stone, located at the presumed site of the former seigneurial gate, recalls the revolt of 1621 and the end of the effective power of the Grimaldi. After the death of César Grimaldi in 1627, the title of Lord of Levens became honorary. The remains of the ramparts, although partially destroyed, remain a testimony of feudal struggles and of the defensive organization of medieval villages in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

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