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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The monument of the remains of the old fortifications in La Sauvetat dates mainly from the 13th century, although its construction began at the end of the 12th century. It is a defensive ensemble erected by the order of St John of Jerusalem, as evidenced by the coat of arms of the Commander engraved on the outer walls. The central structure is a cylindrical tower with three vaulted floors, now surmounted by a belfry. Access to this tower was protected by two fortified gates, reflecting its strategic role in defending the village.

The fortified enclosure was reinforced by a wall punctuated by small circular towers, some of which remain. These fortifications, inscribed in the Historical Monuments since 1926, illustrate medieval military architecture linked to religious-military orders. Their location in the centre of the village suggests a role both defensive and symbolic, marking the presence of the hospital order in the region.

The present communal property retains these remains, although their condition and accessibility are not specified in the available sources. The repeated coat of arms on the outer walls recall the historical link with the order of St John of Jerusalem, a major actor in the crusades and the protection of pilgrims in the Middle Ages. The accuracy of the location is estimated to be poor (note 5/10), based on available geographic data.

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