Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Castral motte of Roc的h is a medieval fortified structure located on a rocky promontory in Arzano, Finistère. It is part of the former Roche-Moisan fortress and was surmounted by a wooden tower over the Scorff valley. The site, protected by a dry ditch cut out of the rock, was constructed by reusing materials from the digging of the ditch and from the earth. The moth, of truncated shape with steep flanks, peaks at about 15 meters high.

The sommital platform, now invaded by brush, preserves the remains of a stone wall. To the west, a deep ditch of 3 to 4 metres and 6 metres wide reinforced the defence of the site. A pen, or bassyard, was adjacent to the south of the terre, while a pond, now extinct, once protected the opposite side of the river. The ensemble covered about 5,000 m2 and was harmoniously integrated into the natural relief.

Ranked as a historical monument since 15 October 1995, the castral motte of Roch bears witness to medieval defensive architecture in Brittany. Its listing covers the entire site, including the soil and basement of Parcel ZH 27. Owned by the municipality of Arzano, this vestige offers an overview of the fortification techniques used in the Middle Ages to control communication routes, such as the Scorff valley.

External links