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Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de la Lande is a medieval building located in Rocles, in the Allier department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is about 5 km northeast of the village, near the hamlet of Virlogeux, and is surrounded by today dried moat. Its central element is a quadrangular 13th century dungeon, covered with a slate roof and equipped with wooden studs for its defense. A circular tower and a rectangular tower, both with mâchicoulis, complete the whole. The castle has been listed as historical monuments since 3 December 2001.

In the late Middle Ages and the 16th century, the castle belonged to the family of La Souche. In 1538 Jeanne (or Anne) de La Souche brought Jacques d'Aubigny in dowry by marriage. In the 17th century he passed to the family of Dreüille, who also owned the castle of Franchesse in the same parish. In the 18th century, Lichy's family, which kept it for more than two centuries, was united. Some historians suggest that it could have been an old command office, although this hypothesis is not confirmed.

In the 19th century, the family of Lichy modified the castle by adding a two-storey pavilion with a dungeon, as well as a chapel of neo-Gothic style to the north. The four-storey dungeon retains defensive elements such as mâchicoulis and stone crows. The circular tower, with a conical roof, exceeds the level of the heights, while a rectangular tower, also equipped with machicolis, is attached to the opposite facade. These developments reflect the architectural changes and residential needs of successive owners.

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