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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Donjon de Marze is an old 13th century residential tower located in the commune of Saint-Cernin, in the Cantal department (region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). This monument, which has been listed as historical monuments since 1964, was the fortified small of a castle that is now extinct, of which only this almost square tower remains. Its architectural features include five bunk rooms, a vaulted ground floor in a broken cradle accessible by a hatch, and corbelled latrines on the second and third floors.

The tower belonged around 1360 to the lords of Tournemine, a local noble family. Its main access was on the first floor, typical of medieval dungeons designed for defensive reasons. The north facade retained corbelled elements, including seven crows per side, now partially ruined. The latrines on the third floor, formerly supported by two crows, disappeared, leaving only those on the second floor.

The site dominates a tributary of the Doire, highlighting its strategic role in monitoring and controlling the territory. The lower room, initially blind, communicated with the outside only by a hatch leading to the upper floor, reinforcing its defensive character. The designation of historic monuments in 1964 preserved this rare testimony of the 13th century seigneurial habitat.

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