Château de Graves

Château de Graves is a Renaissance castle in Villefranche-de-Rouergue built around a square inner courtyard approximately twelve meters across. Seven round towers frame the structure, each with a generous diameter and designed for domestic rather than defensive purposes.

Construction of the castle began in 1543 when copper merchant Jean Imbert Dardenne commissioned it, with master mason Guillaume Lissorgues overseeing the work until 1555. Its design marks the shift from medieval fortifications to residential Renaissance palaces.

The chapel in the northeast tower displays wall paintings depicting the Passion of Christ, reflecting the religious life of the Renaissance period. These artworks tell of the devotion that shaped the castle and its inhabitants.

Access to the ground floor, chapel, and garden is free, with the castle open Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 12 PM. It is wise to confirm opening hours before visiting, as these may vary seasonally.

The congregation of the Sacred Heart Fathers has owned the castle for approximately two centuries, using it variously as a seminary, boarding school, and youth center. This extended period of educational use gave the property a distinctive character beyond its original design.