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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Biran Gate Tower, located at the northeast end of the village's only street, controlled its main access. From a square plane (about 4.50 m side), it rises on four levels: a vaulted passage on the ground floor and three upper floors. The passage, redesigned, is covered with two segment arches, while an external stone staircase, along the north face, leads to the first floor. The tower, built in the medium limestone apparatus, is topped by a roof in the pavilion of hollow tiles. A cross-brush pierce the outer face of the first floor, and a clock is installed on the second floor, internal side.

The only vestige of the fortifications of Biran, this gate tower probably dates from the 13th–14th century boundary, as evidenced by its architectural similarities with other regional gate towers (Monbert, Gaudonville). It would have been built after the construction of the castelnau and before the Hundred Years War. Originally joined to a church in the north (destroyed in the 19th century), it has served as a bell tower in the village since the 17th century. The sommital part was then redesigned to accommodate the bell chamber, while the ground floor, initially closed by wooden vantals, was modified.

Classified as a Historical Monument by order of 30 May 1947, the gate tower now belongs to the municipality of Biran. Its current state reflects both its medieval defensive role and its later adaptations, such as the addition of the clock. The accuracy of its location is considered poor (level 5/10), and its approximate address corresponds to the village of Biran in Gers. No information is available on its current accessibility (visits, rentals).

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