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On route des bastides and castelnaux, departmental which runs along the national 21 and joins Auch in Marciac, there is a monument that symbolizes the wealth of heritage that you will encounter on this route. After being amazed by the bastide of barran and its helical bell tower, having been seduced by the XNUMXth century castle of L'Isle-de-Noé, and being blown away by the gate tower and the church of the castelnau of Montesquiou, another big surprise awaits you ...
43 meters, 4 floors, 197 steps: here are the main characteristics of the keep which stands in the heart of the small village of Bassoues, 35km west of Auch.
A primary function of military defense ...
Completed in 1371, the Dungeon of Bassoues is the work of Cardinal Arnaud Aubert, nephew of Pope Innocent VI. Built by the project managers Pierre Joc and Etienne de Pradères, this remarkably preserved building was erected for military purposes, with the obvious aim of protecting the Castelnau from possible invaders. This tower which flanked and protected the castle was also called “Masse” or “Tour du Bach” (lower tower), because of its importance.
… But also an architectural feat!
Each corner of the Keep is marked by enormous buttresses which house the latrines and are crowned by a graceful belt of machicolations. This square tower has 4 floors: the ground floor which once served as a reserve to store food and fuel, where a well is dug in the center, a beautiful ribbed vaulted room on the first floor and the lodge. to the second.
The floors are served by a staircase that provides access to the top of the tower and its platform occupied by an octagonal turret. From the roof of the Keep, you can admire a beautiful view of the rolling hills of Gascony and, on a clear day, a breathtaking panorama on the Pyrenees.
A charming castelnau
Remarkable for the quality of the stones used during its construction, for the details brought to the decoration of each floor, and for the comfort of the rooms which have stone fireplaces and sinks, the Donjon de Bassoues is also one of the best preserved in Gascony.
But this tower, as imposing as it is, is not the only vestige of past history. The Basilica of Saint-Fris from the XNUMXth century, the Sainte-Marie church from the XNUMXth century and the old hall from the XNUMXth century are also places not to be missed.
Do not forget that numerous exhibitions of paintings, watercolors or photos regularly come to enrich the rooms of the Dungeon.
Find here all the information for organize your visit to the dungeon which welcomes you from March to October
