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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The walls of Domme were built in the 13th century as part of the creation of a royal bastide by the king of France, in order to counter the English influence in Guyenne and Agenais. The fortress, strategically located, became a major issue during the tensions between the two kingdoms. In 1347, it was taken by the English before being taken over a year later by the Sénéchal of Périgord. The Treaty of Bretigny (1360) placed it under English suzerainety, but it resisted attacks between 1370 and 1384, before being again occupied by the English from 1417 to 1438.

During the Wars of Religion (16th century), Domme changed hands several times between Huguenots and Ligueurs, finally remaining to the Protestants until 1592. The ramparts, pierced by three doors including the Gate of the Towers (1381), illustrate medieval military architecture. The latter, flanked by two massive towers, was equipped with harrows, reinforced wooden doors, and cross murderers to defend the passage. Round paths, probably added in the 16th century, linked towers and reflected adaptations related to religious conflicts.

The enclosure also includes the remains of the King's castle, a symbol of French royal power in this disputed area. Classified as a historical monument in 1943, the ramparts thus combine medieval and Renaissance heritage, reflecting the political and military upheavals that marked the Périgord for nearly three centuries.

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