Maison forte des Allinges, Medieval fortified house in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, France.
The Maison forte des Allinges is a medieval fortified house situated on a plateau with a dry moat protecting the southern and western sides while natural slopes guard the north and east. Towers connected by a curtain wall with a walkway give the structure the form of a compact fortress.
The fortified residence was built between 1355 and 1369 by Guillaume de Septème and later transferred to the Lambert family before passing to the Solignacs in 1561. These successive ownership changes reflect the shifting control of the region among different noble families.
The keep and dovecote bear crenellations on their walls, revealing the medieval noble background of the residents who once lived here. These architectural details were signs of power and rank among the French aristocracy of that era.
Archaeological excavations take place on the grounds from 2022 to 2024, with initial findings scheduled for public presentation starting in 2025. Check ahead about site access and visibility conditions before planning a visit.
The building was originally designed with multiple towers fully connected by a continuous curtain wall, which was an uncommon design for smaller medieval residences of this period. This integrated layout allowed unified defense and surveillance of the entire property from above.
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