Commanderie de Temple-sur-Lot, Medieval commandry in Le Temple-sur-Lot, France.
Commanderie de Temple-sur-Lot is a rectangular stone complex dating from the 15th century with brick construction elements and fortified walls positioned near the Lot River. The layout combines residential quarters, storage areas, and defensive structures characteristic of military order properties.
The property was established by the Knights Templar in the 12th century and passed to the Knights Hospitaller following the Templars' dissolution in 1312. A fire during the Hundred Years War led to complete reconstruction work undertaken between 1485 and 1510.
The name Brulhes, also written Bruhles, survives in the alternative name Commanderie de Brulhes, and the village itself became Le Temple-sur-Lot. The commandry kept a kind of supremacy over the order's houses in the region, and the hospital of Sauvagnas was attached to it. Look for the fleur-de-lis panels placed on its lands by Jean Rigal, commander of Goutz, at the request of Louis XIII.
The commandry stands at the edge of Le Temple-sur-Lot, about 20 km west of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, beside the Lot. The brick buildings of 1485-1510 and the 16th-17th-century walled courtyard with its towers and gun loops are best viewed from the outside; the arched gateway on the right carries banners and a sign reading "LE TEMPLE".
The commandry's name survives in the commune of Le Temple-sur-Lot, which grew from the fortified settlement (bastide) the Templars laid out beside their house in the 13th century. The wall was raised despite the protests of the lord of Montpezat, who claimed rights over the site.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,132 contributors worldwide.