Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The tower and chapel of Entressen, located in Istres, date from two distinct periods: the tower, mentioned as early as 1377 as "a stone tower with quite strong and garnished mâchicoulis", probably dates back to around 1340, in the first half of the 14th century. This type of construction reflects the defensive needs of the time, marked by regional tensions and feudal conflicts.

At the beginning of the 16th century, after 1505, the chapel was erected, vaulted on two dogive crosses, illustrating the architectural evolution towards more decorated styles. The lords of Istres and entressen, the Foissard family, then transformed the site into a complete fortified whole, including an enclosure, a church with its outbuildings, as well as agricultural buildings (logis, stable, oven, henhouse, pigeonhouse). These developments demonstrate their power and willingness to structure an autonomous seigneurial estate.

The ensemble, consisting of the watch tower, the chapel, a well and archaeological remains, is protected by an order of 4 March 1998. The location, although documented (path of the Mas-d'Amphoux), remains approximate according to the available sources, with a cartographic accuracy deemed "passable". Today, the site belongs to a public institution, but its access (visits, rental, accommodation) is not specified in the archives consulted.

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