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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The castral motte and ditch of Puy Archer, known as Châteauvieux, is a medieval monument located in the commune of La Porcherie, Haute-Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. This site, typical of the fortifications of the Middle Ages, bears witness to the defence techniques of the time, with a motte surrounded by ditches, a common structure for seigneurial houses or strategic checkpoints. Its inscription as a Historical Monument by order of 1 February 1993 underlines its heritage importance and its preservation.

In medieval times, the castral mots often served as centres of local power, sheltering lords or garrisons. They played a key role in the territorial organization, providing protection against local invasions or conflicts. In Limousin, a region marked by a rural economy and limited trade, these fortifications also symbolized feudal domination.

Their location, often in height, allowed extensive monitoring of the surrounding territory, enhancing their strategic usefulness.

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