Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Soubirane Tower, also known as the tower of Amont or En Talhada, is a square town gate located in Villeneuve, Aveyron. Its origin dates back to an award-winning lease signed on August 12, 1486 between the consuls of Villeneuve and the master masons Estene Servan and Alric Lacam. This document attests to its construction at the end of the 15th century, although part of an anterior door could be preserved in the present structure.

The tower was listed as historic monuments by order of 17 February 1928, recognizing its heritage importance. Today it belongs to the municipality of Villeneuve. Although its original function is that of a fortified gate integrated with the city walls, its exact role in local history remains partially documented. Available sources, such as the Merimée and Monumentum base, confirm its status as a protected monument.

Villeneuve, located in the former province of Rouergue, was a medieval city whose urban planning reflected the defensive and commercial needs of the time. City gates such as the Soubirane Tower were used to control access and symbolize communal power. Their construction was often entrusted to skilled craftsmen, such as the peyriers (stone cutters) mentioned in the archives, who played a key role in building public buildings.

External links