Mention as a noble den XIVe siècle (≈ 1450)
Dependence of the seigneury of Domme
XVe siècle
Construction of the corner tower
Construction of the corner tower XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Round tower with defensive crows
XVIe siècle
Adding the house body
Adding the house body XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Square tower and Renaissance elements
12 octobre 1948
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 12 octobre 1948 (≈ 1948)
Additional inventory
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Château de Rocanadel (ruines of): inscription by order of 12 October 1948
Key figures
Information non disponible - No names cited in the sources
No historical character identified
Origin and history
The ruins of Rocanadel Castle, located in Veyrignac in New Aquitaine, date mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries. This noble den, mentioned from the 14th century as dependent on the seigneury of Domme, preserves significant architectural remains: ramparts in ruins reinforced by a round defensive tower, a house body with a central square tower of the 16th century, and an imposing round crowd tower typical of the 15th century. The entrance door and Renaissance-style fireplaces highlight the aesthetic evolution of the site between the Middle Ages and the modern era.
According to a local tradition, undergrounds would link Rocanadel to Milhac Castle, in the Lot, although this hypothesis is not documented by archaeological sources. The monument, classified in the inventory of Historical Monuments by decree of 12 October 1948, illustrates the adaptation of medieval fortresses to the residential needs of the Renaissance. Its current state allows us to observe the superimposition of military techniques (defence towers, ramparts) and comfort elements (pathways, houses).
The location of Rocanadel, near the Dordogne Valley, reflects its strategic role in a territory marked by the conflicts of the Hundred Years War and seigneurial rivalries. The current cartographic accuracy (level 7/10) would situate the remains near the 50 A Jumilles site, on the town of Veyrignac. No information is available on its current accessibility (visits, accommodation) in the sources consulted.
