aerial view of Montferrand Castle Perched overlooking the garrigue. Montferrand, Hérault France
Perched on its limestone spur overlooking the garrigue, the 12thᵉ century feudal castle dominates the plain and offers an unrivalled view of Saint-Mathieu de Tréviers, the Pic Saint-Loup and the Hortus. Originally owned by the County of Melgueil in the 12th century, the castle was confiscated from the Count of Toulouse during the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century. In 1172, the House of Toulouse seized the counties of Melgueil and Montferrand. Then in 1209, during the Albigensian Crusade, Raymond VI of Toulouse, suspected of complacency towards the Cathar heresy, donated 7 castles to the church in order to win its good graces. The Château de Montferrand was one of these and became part of the diocese of Maguelone. When Raymond VI failed to fulfil his vassalage obligations, the entire county was confiscated from him in 1211, then passed on to the Bishops of Maguelone in 1215, who became Counts of Melgueil and Montferrand until 1793. On 15 June 2022, the Château de Montferrand was officially listed as a Historic Monument by the Prefect of the Region, on the advice of the Regional Commission for Heritage and Architecture. This is an important step in the preservation and enhancement of this emblematic site in the region. This protection procedure, at regional level, follows a request from the Communauté de communes du Grand Pic Saint-Loup, owner of the site. The Château de Montferrand has been listed in its entirety, including the ruins and the archaeological layers included within the perimeter of the enclosure. The Pope entrusted it to the Bishop of Maguelone. The Wars of Religion saw the castle change sides several times, before it was gradually abandoned in the 18th century.
Size: 4000px × 3000px
Location: Montferrand, Hérault France
Photo credit: © DV Aerial / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 12thᵉ, aerial, castle, century, chateau, de, feodal, feudal, garrigue, hortus, hortus., limestone, montferrand, pic, saint-loup, saint-mathieu, spur, tréviers, view
