First mention of the castle XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Castle quoted in medieval springs.
XIVe siècle
Presumed reconstruction
Presumed reconstruction XIVe siècle (≈ 1450)
Hypothetical work after the 13th century.
XVe-XVIe siècles
Major changes
Major changes XVe-XVIe siècles (≈ 1650)
Structural changes before the 17th century.
1726
Date engraved on a door
Date engraved on a door 1726 (≈ 1726)
Testimonial of later work.
XVIIe siècle
Transformations and declines
Transformations and declines XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Doors, crosses added; ruin in 1685.
1883
Roof repair
Roof repair 1883 (≈ 1883)
Date on the frame.
2 mars 1979
Partial protection
Partial protection 2 mars 1979 (≈ 1979)
Front and roof inscription.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Main facade and corresponding roof, including the vaulted entrance passage (Box ZE 20): inscription by order of 2 March 1979
Key figures
Information non disponible - No name cited
Sources do not mention any characters.
Origin and history
The fortified house of Quissac, located in Valeilles (Tarn-et-Garonne), finds its origins in a castle mentioned in the thirteenth century. Although its initial structure is not well known, major reconstructions and changes are attested to in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, before significant transformations in the 17th century, especially for doors and cross-sections. In 1685, the monument was described as "in ruins," suggesting a decline or significant damage at that time.
The restoration work continued after 1685, as evidenced by the date of 1726 engraved on a door. The roof was completely rebuilt in 1883, as indicated by an inscription. These successive interventions reflect a desire to preserve or adapt the building over the centuries. Today, only the main façade and its roof, including a vaulted passage, have been protected under the Historic Monuments since 1979.
The exact location of the monument remains approximate, with an accuracy considered "passable" (note 5/10). Available sources, such as the Merimée database, place it at the address "5095 Quissac" in Valeilles, in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne. Its history reflects the architectural and social dynamics of Occitanie, between feudal decline and modern adaptations.
The monument illustrates the evolution of fortified houses in Occitanie, often transformed into residences or agricultural buildings after their military abandonment. These buildings, once symbols of local power, become over the centuries witnesses to the economic and social changes in their territories. Their partial preservation, as here, underscores their heritage value despite the hazards of history.
No information is available on the current use of the site (visits, rentals, etc.) or on any owners or sponsors of the work. The data are limited to protected architectural elements and engraved dates, without details of the craftsmen or the precise circumstances of the construction sites.
