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Château-fort, Lourdes, France | |
| Although it became a religious center only in the late 1800s, the history of Lourdes goes back to Roman times. | ||
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I'd heard of Lourdes for years, like many people, but had no idea until we drove into town that it had a historic château-fort. You can't miss it. It's on a hill in the center of town, overlooking the sanctuaries, the shopping streets, and the many hotels in Lourdes. The site dates from Roman times, and Charlemagne tried to take it in the 8th century. According to its website, however, the château-fort was never conquered. Never conquered, but often damaged. The keep dates from the 14th century, and some walls perhaps from the 11th or 12th century. Near the keep is a lovely botanical garden. The château is classified as a national monument, and it is also home to the Musée Pyrénéen, Museum of the Pyrénées, home to the largest collections on the history of the Pyrénées. In addition, the château offers lovely views of the sanctuaries, the town of Lourdes, and the beautiful surrounding foothills and countryside of the Midi-Pyrénées region. Château-fort de Lourdes
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Above, The château-fort of Lourdes.
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