Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Arifat Castle, also called Agriffoul Castle, was built in the 11th century on a dominant position to monitor access to Castres-en-Albigeois, including the road passing on the right bank of the Durenque. Originally, this seigneury depended on the lords of Castres, themselves vassals of the Viscounty of Albi. At the beginning of the 12th century, Bernard Aton IV Trencavel received the tribute for this fortified castle, marking its strategic importance in the region.

In the 16th century, the castle belonged to the Protestant family of Genibrousse and became an issue during the Wars of Religion. In 1574, the Catholics, informed of a plan to attack from the castle against Castres, stormed him, killed his guard (Sir Poujade) and burned him. Three years later, Guillaume de Génibrousse rebuilt it in a sober style, abandoning his medieval defenses for a classical facade and gardens, mixing mouths with fire and sled windows as traces of his past.

In the 17th century, the castle passed to François Sabatier de Lombers, treasurer of the king, executed for treason in 1577. He then returned to his widow, Catherine de Toulouse-Lautrec, who transmitted him by marriage to the family of Labauve, becoming the "de Labauve d'Arifat". The latter developed a mulberry nursery in the 18th century, taking advantage of the expansion of the tiles around the estate. The castle remains in this family until the French Revolution, reflecting its evolution from a fortress to a seigneurial residence.

The remains of the 11th century ramparts, combined with the classical facade and gardens, now illustrate the architectural and historical transformations of the site, marked by religious conflicts and its adaptation to civil uses.

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