Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The fortifications of La Cavalerie were built in the 1st quarter of the 15th century by the Hospitallers of Saint-Jean-de-Jérusalem, successors of the Templiers, to protect the village from looting during the Hundred Years War. Commander Bertrand d'Arpajon supervised this work, including a quadrangular enclosure with three round towers and a castle at the southeast corner. This defensive system was part of a series of fortifications (Le Viala du Pas de Jaux in 1430, La Couvertoirade in 1439) to secure the Larzac plateau, rich in cattle but vulnerable to raids.

Founded in the 12th century by the Templars of the Commandery of Sainte-Eulalie, the original village was moved after a conflict with Millau. The Templars built a church (first mentioned in 1180) and a seigneurial house. After their dissolution in the 14th century, the Hospitallers took over. The Wars of Religion (XVIth-17th centuries) damaged the castle, destroyed by the Huguenots around 1580. The towers were then razed to demilitarize the site, before peace allowed the addition of an 18th century gate tower and private hotels.

The enclosure, irregular (90 m x 60 m), incorporates medieval vestiges prior to the 15th century, as 13th century houses (segular arches, ground pedestals). The church occupies the southeast corner, while the place of the Templars results from later demolitions (cadastral plan of 1839). The fortifications, partially preserved (North Rempart, Towers, East Gate), were listed in the Historical Monuments in 1998. Their layout reflects both the defensive needs of the fifteenth century and subsequent adaptations related to local prosperity.

The site illustrates the evolution of a fortified bastide Templar village, marked by conflicts (Cent Years, Religions) and economic resilience. Materials (skinned seams, tuff) and techniques (segral arches, leave) are evidence of medieval know-how. Today, fortifications combine communal and private property, with elements classified as the north wall or southwest tower.

External links