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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Saint-Geniès is a building built in the 13th and 16th centuries, located in the Dordogne department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It stands in the heart of the village of Saint-Geniès, in Black Perigord, and plays a central role in the local landscape. The old castle, destroyed before the 16th century, was replaced by a new building incorporating 13th century remains.

In the 17th century, a square tower with a screw staircase was added, while the 16th century oval tower was enhanced in 1912 to include a round path and mâchicoulis. The facades and roofs, covered with lauzes, were classified as historical monuments in 1976. Part of the castle, including the eastern façade, has been set up in a restaurant since 2008.

Architecturally, the castle presents a U-shaped plan open to the west, with a prominent oval tower near the church Our Lady of the Assumption. The roof, restored by a craftsman whose know-how is recognized by the intangible cultural heritage, illustrates the importance of preserving this site. The west façade, marked by slashes, preserves traces of the old windows before enlargement of the square.

Private property, the castle remains a testimony of the architectural transformations between the Middle Ages and the modern era. Its integration into the village fabric, close to the church, underlines its historical and social role in the commune. The protected elements, such as the machicolis and the staircase with screws, recall its defensive and seigneurial past.

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