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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The ancient structures of Aiguillon, located in the department of Lot-et-Garonne in New Aquitaine, consist of four vaulted Gallo-Roman cellars, reinforced by external flat foothills. Their construction in small apparatus with brick beds suggests a late Roman origin, probably in the second century. These cellars, interpreted as horrea (warehouses), could be linked to a commercial vicus and an emporium on the Garonne, reflecting a local economic activity centered on the storage and exchange of goods.

The discovery of an amphora handle in the 1960s reinforces the hypothesis of their logistics function. In medieval times, these structures were integrated as cellars in the castle of Lunac, built above, while their outer massif was included in the urban enclosure. Two foothills were restored in the 20th century, and the site was classified as a historic monument on February 1, 1985, highlighting its heritage importance.

The architecture combines Roman techniques (bells, bricks) and medieval reuse, illustrating the functional continuity of the place. The sources, such as the works of Abbé Barrère or Alain Diver, confirm their role in the ancient commercial network, linked to river navigation on the Garonne. Today, these cellars offer a rare example of Roman infrastructure adapted to future needs, while remaining partially accessible to the public.

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