Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Fountain of the Twenty-Four-Echelons of Moissac is an ancient underground fountain, composed of an entrance edicle and drainage galleries. Some historians suggest a Roman origin, although this hypothesis is not confirmed. The work appears clearly on Belleforest's plan in 1574, attesting to its existence in the Renaissance. Its main role was to supply Moissac with water, thanks to an ingenious system of galleries dug into the rock.

In 1751, a rectangular brick facade, surmounted by a triangular pediment, was added to mark the entrance. A 24 steps staircase goes down to a small room, located five meters below, where three artificial galleries dedicated to the search for water converge. The surplus flowed through a fourth gallery leading to an outdoor basin, used as a public wash for centuries.

The fountain has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1946, with protection covering the catchment galleries and entrance hall. Today, it is managed by the municipality of Moissac and is the subject of restoration work carried out by a local association. A visit can be arranged by contacting the president of the association.

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