Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Castegens, located in Belvès-de-Castillon en Gironde, finds its origins in the 14th century with the construction of the original house. The latter was redesigned and lowered in the 15th century, then strengthened by fortifications in the 16th century, reflecting the architectural and strategic evolutions of the period. Major transformations continued with the addition of cellars and cellars between 1863 and 1868, under the impulse of Simard de Pitray during the Second Empire. A neo-Gothic chapel was also built around 1870, completing the whole.

The monument has been officially recognized for its heritage value since its inscription in historic monuments on April 19, 1996. The protected elements include the 14th century house, the four towers, the entrance pavilion, and the 19th century cellar facades. Every summer, the site hosts a historical reconstruction evoking the Battle of Castillon (1453), marking the end of the Hundred Years War, illustrating its anchor in local and national history.

Beyond its architecture, the castle of Castegens embodies a place of living memory. The summer reconstruction, spanning seven hectares, recreates a medieval village and attracts visitors around an immersive spectacle. This cultural project builds on the history of the site, while boosting regional heritage. The cellars built by Simard de Pitray also testify to the adaptation of the estate to a vineyard vocation, typical of the Gironde in the 19th century.

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