Construction of the tower XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Initial construction period in shale.
1630
Demolition of fortifications
Demolition of fortifications 1630 (≈ 1630)
Order of Richelieu, preservation of the tower.
18 juillet 1927
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 18 juillet 1927 (≈ 1927)
Official heritage recognition.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Tour de la Vistoure : inscription by decree of 18 July 1927
Key figures
Cardinal de Richelieu - Minister of Louis XIII
Ordained partial demolition in 1630.
Origin and history
La Tour de la Vistoure is a medieval tower located in Burlats, Tarn department, Occitanie region. Built in the 13th century, it was one of the city's four fortified entrances, protecting access by the Roquecurbe road that runs along the Agout valley. Its shale-stone walls, pierced with murderous holes and bolt holes, rise up to a crenelated top, testifying to its defensive role.
The tower was equipped with a harrow to defend the door, and its architecture has successive stalls reducing the thickness of the walls in height. In 1630 the fortifications of Burlats were demolished by order of Richelieu, but the tower of the Vistoure was preserved. It was listed as historical monuments by decree of 18 July 1927, recognizing its heritage importance.
Today, the tower retains traces of architectural changes, such as a later added appentis roof, probably replacing a original lauze roof. Its south facade, very restored, contrasts with the other more authentic elevations. The tower still dominates the right bank of the Agout, recalling the medieval past of Burlats and its strategic role in the valley.
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