Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Preyssac Castle, also known as Pressac Castle, is a house built from the fourteenth century on land granted by the King of England to Thibaud and Bernard-Arnaud de Preissac-La Trau. The latter, related to Pope Clement V by covenant, received these lands as a reward for their services to the Duke of Aquitaine. The royal authorization for its construction dates back to 1305, marking the beginning of a defensive architecture adapted to the conflicts of the time.

The oldest remains of the castle include the base of the walls, the first two floors of the Towers of the Gate and part of the octagonal tower, dating from the 14th century. In the 15th century, the openings were modified to adapt to the new weapons, replacing the murderers with flames. The 16th century saw the addition of a vaulted room, perhaps a chapel, while the 19th century brought interior changes, including Empire-style apartments.

The estate also includes a monumental escape erected in 1574, topped by a dome decorated with skylights. Ranked a historic monument in 1951, the castle remains a private property. Its architecture reflects the military and residential evolutions over nearly six centuries, in the wine region of Entre-deux-Mers, 30 km from Bordeaux.

Located in the Gironde department, the castle illustrates the feudal and seigneurial history of New Aquitaine. Its designation as historic monuments underlines its heritage importance, while preserving its private character. The precise location, south of Daignac, makes it a witness to the cultural exchanges between Aquitaine and England in the Middle Ages.

External links