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Origin and history

The Veyrines tower is the only vestige of a castle built on the commune of Mérignac, Gironde. In 1290, Edward I, king of England and Duke of Aquitaine, authorized the Barony of Veyrines to strengthen himself. This monument, originally conceived as a fortress, sees its ground floor transformed into a chapel in the 14th century, while its entrance corridor is walled. The tower, 20 meters high, became a landmark for geographers in the 18th century, after the destruction of the rest of the castle.

In 1526, the estate was acquired by the Jurade de Bordeaux, a municipal institution of the Ancien Régime. During the French Revolution, the tower was sold as a national property. Despite the transformations experienced over the centuries, notably the 16th century murals – influenced by the southern, English and Gothic styles – now largely disappeared, it retains defensive elements such as its mâchicoulis. Ranked among the historical monuments in 1875, it bears witness to the feudal and military history of the region.

Located on Rue de la Tour-de-Veyrines in Mérignac, this square tower of 10 meters side illustrates medieval defensive architecture. Its role evolved from fortress to chapel, then to geographical landmark, before becoming a protected heritage. The traces of its past, such as the fragments of murals or its imposing structure, make it a symbol of the rich historical heritage of the Gironde.

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