Construction of dungeon XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Period of initial construction of the monument.
29 décembre 1949
Registration Historic Monument
Registration Historic Monument 29 décembre 1949 (≈ 1949)
Official protection by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Donjon de Lespinasse: registration by decree of 29 December 1949
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources insufficient to identify actors.
Origin and history
The Donjon de Lespinasse, located in the commune of Saint-Forgeux-Lespinasse, is an emblematic monument of the 12th century. This dungeon, typical of medieval military architecture, was erected in a context of strengthening local defensive structures. Its registration as a Historic Monument by order of 29 December 1949 underlines its heritage importance and its remarkable state of conservation for this period.
In the 12th century, the Loire region, now integrated in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, was marked by a feudal organization where the dungeons played a central role. These structures served both as a refuge for local populations and as a symbol of power for lords. The Lespinasse dungeon fits in with this, although the available sources do not specify its sponsor or its exact use. Approximate location, noted as "a priori satisfactory", suggests integration into a territorial defence or control network.
Practical information on access to the dungeon remains limited. Although its address is listed (52 Route de la Prévoté, 42640 Saint-Forgeux-Lespinasse), the source text does not mention whether it is open to visit, used for events, or converted into accommodation. The Merimée database and Monumentum data are the main documentary sources, without further details on its history or subsequent transformations.
