Château de Sommières

English translation

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History

The Bermonde tower is located at the southern end of the promontory and probably dates from the early 13th century. The castle chapel, dating from the early 13th century, was erected to the north, a short distance from the gateway tower constituting the main entrance. However, the portal was rebuilt and the whole was raised and divided in the 18th century. The chevet, however, preserved its vault. Of the main dwelling which stood between the tower and this chapel, only the west wall and a vaulted chamber remain. The barracks were located opposite. They were rearranged during the 18th century and then divided into housing after being sold as national property. In 1936, the construction of water reservoirs required the demolition of a large part of these buildings. The tower of Montlaur, to the north of this ensemble, almost certainly dates from the late 13th century. It was partially destroyed during the siege of 1573 and again in the 19th century. Two arrow slits from the late 13th century are visible in the northern enclosure facing the Vignasse. The two towers are surrounded by fortifications. A second enclosure, heavily modified, reinforces the first and forms lices. The fortification of the plateau situated to the north, named the Vignasse, is later and connected to the castle enclosure: its entrance gate on the western flank is in good condition. North of this gate, a square tower of this enclosure is visible. The tower which rises to the north-east of the Vignasse is preserved but later alterations and vegetation make its identification difficult.