Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The medieval enclosure of Cucuron consists of three successive enclosures, the first of which, probably dated the 11th or 12th centuries, left no vestiges. The second enclosure, built in the 12th century, partially survived until the 19th century, with as the only notable vestige the door of the Clock, characterized by a medium apparatus on the outside and rubble inside. This door illustrates the defensive architectural evolution of the medieval era in the region.

The third, more recent enclosure was designed and started in 1541 under the direction of Daumas Debert, assisted by the masons Claude Roland, Jean Emeric, Bernard Garin, Pierre Pin and Jean Martin. Completed between 1545 and 1548, it was initially preserved in its entirety until the end of the 19th century, before being gradually demolished. Today, there are two main doors (those of the pond and Ginoux) as well as the tower of Pous, also called square tower. These elements, classified or listed in the Historical Monuments, bear witness to Renaissance fortification techniques.

The current remains also include the flat north-west tower in mid-coach aircraft and a circular north-east tower in seams, with vaulted floors. The gate of the pond and that of Ginoux, open to the throat, present the same mixed apparatus as the door of the Clock. These structures reflect military adaptations in the face of artillery progress in the 16th century. Their partial preservation allows us to study the evolution of defensive systems in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Owned by the municipality of Cucuron (Vaucluse), the remaining parts of the enclosure have been protected since the 20th century: the gate of the Clock with its dungeon was classified in 1921, while the gates of Giroux and Etang, as well as the towers of the Citadelle and square, were classified or inscribed in 1981. These protections underline the heritage importance of the site, despite the demolitions suffered in the 19th and 20th centuries.

External links