Castellas

Rising to 260 metres above sea-level, the ‘castellas’ of Aumelas is one of the most impressive fortified sites in the canton. Its imposing silhouette has soared above the plateau and dominated the plain for almost a thousand years. The scale of the ruins that can be found there today evokes the image of a fortress that must have been huge when first built.

The place is mentioned in the 8th century as belonging to the Abbey of Aniane, whilst the château and the promontory fortress were developed in 1036 by the counts Guilhem of Montpellier, overlords of the estate. Unfortunately this magnificent group of buildings, comprising the château and the walled town, was to suffer the ravages of time and, in the 14th century, raids by companies of mercenaries causing major damage.

Since it had not been able to adapt to new techniques of siege warfare, the site was progressively abandoned in the course of the 15th century. For a time its defensive function was restored during the 16th-century Wars of Religion when it was to become a refuge for many Protestants who took it over. It was finally dismantled by the royal troops in 1622. Today it has become the property of the commune and, on 12 June 1989, justice was may be said to have been done when it was declared to be a Historic Monument.

Not far away, the little isolated chapel of Saint-Martin-du-Cardonnet is a charming and remarkably well-proportioned building in a very sober Romanesque style. It is crowned with ornamental denticulations and is a perfect example of 12th-century rural architecture. Aumelas as a whole is an exceptional site with a fascinating history.

It is the ideal place to engage in energetic exploration of the treasures of the middle ages in our area. Its site can be reached on foot from the lower end of the village. Wonderful architecture and landscapes as far as the eye can see: what more could anyone ask for?


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