Commanderie de Sallebruneau, Knights Templar commandery ruins in Frontenac, France.
The Commanderie de Sallebruneau is a ruined commandery with two connected structures: a church featuring a single nave in the south and a fortified castle with a square tower in the north. The layout reflects both the religious and defensive purposes the site once served.
The site was founded in 1214 by the Knights Templar and transferred to the Knights Hospitaller in 1280 under commander Jean de Greilly. This shift marked a transition as the Templars faced challenges and the Hospitallers took control of their lands.
The medieval garden displays healing and aromatic plants that reflect how the knights managed daily wellness and food preparation. Walking through, you can see how these plants were once organized in sections for different uses.
Exterior access is free and unrestricted, but the interior remains closed due to the fragile condition of the ruins and safety concerns. Wear sturdy footwear and watch your step on uneven ground around the structures.
The square tower contains arrow slits for defense and features a vaulted ground floor room that once held prisoners. This design shows how security and imprisonment were practical concerns woven into the building's function.
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