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Origin and history

Fressac Castle, built in the 13th century, is a typical example of medieval refuge castle. Located on the hill of Castellas at 340 meters altitude, it measures about 40 meters in its largest dimension. Its ruins, visible from Monoblet, Anduze and Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort, reveal advanced defensive systems: barbacan, poternes, breech, skunks and assumption. The enclosure, raised twice, and the bolt holes testify to its architectural evolution. Although owned by the municipality of Fressac, its access has been prohibited since 2019 due to the risk of collapse.

According to the sources, the castle was built by the Bermonds of Anduze and Sauve, a local noble family. The tradition evokes a stay of Blanche de Castille, mother of Saint Louis, although this information remains unconfirmed. In the 18th century, during the Camisard War, it served as a refuge for the population during attacks, such as that of Sauve in December 1702. The site, sold in 1808 to Simon de Verdelhan, was symbolically ceded to the commune in 1992 by the family of Verdelhan des Molles.

The dungeon, preserved on three levels, probably dates from the early 13th century. Built of bossed stones, it features a monolith tympanic door topped by a full arch. The interior planade, surrounded by an intact wall of enclosure, is bordered by a round road with fire flares. No tower flanks the whole, but consoles indicate the past presence of scaffolds. Two vaulted rooms remain, one of which was used as a tank. Ranked Historic Monument in 1992, the castle illustrates the Cevenola defensive architecture.

Access to the castle has been strictly prohibited since February 2019, after a study revealed an imminent danger associated with the collapse of a vault. Despite its state, it remains a major testimony of the medieval heritage of the Gard. The remains, although fragile, retain remarkable architectural elements, such as the parapet of the round path and defence systems. The municipality now owns it and ensures its preservation, while limiting the risks to visitors.

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