Ancien château des comtes-évêques de Melgueil ou Maison Castanier-Rey

English translation

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History

The episcopal residence which succeeded the seigniorial castle of the 12th and 13th centuries corresponds most certainly to the site of the buildings of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. They are today divided into three private properties which have been the subject of significant changes in the 18th and 19th centuries. From the first campaign of the 15th-16th century, there remain a remarkable room with ribbed rib vault, a vaulted corridor at the rear as well as an octagonal spiral staircase tower. In an identical style, the arcaded gallery of the Riey house could be contemporary with it or else date from the second campaign in the 17th century. Let us also note the corbels on the west façade and a mullioned window with late Gothic moulding. It is appropriate to question the nature of the changes made during the 17th century campaign: reconstructions, repairs, enlargements? The tower noted at the time of the reconstruction of 1626 could be the spiral staircase tower. On the first floor of the house, the old fittings are preserved: floors and ceilings as well as an exceptional monumental fireplace with consoles. In another wing, several openings, blocked openings or corbels on the façades also indicate the preservation of the old buildings.