Château de Saint-Béat, Medieval castle ruins in Saint-Béat-Lez, France
Château de Saint-Béat is a medieval castle ruin in Saint-Béat-Lez with a square keep about 5 meters on each side, two interior levels, and two defensive walls surrounding it. The remaining structure shows how this fortification was built to watch over the valley below.
This fortress was built in the 12th century and expanded during the reign of King Henri IV. Military commanders oversaw it through the 16th century, when it was gradually abandoned.
This fortress earned its nickname as 'the key to France' because of its location near the Spanish border, where it controlled movement through the Garonne valley. The strategic position shaped how people understood the importance of this place in protecting their region.
The site is accessible on foot from the center of Saint-Béat-Lez and sits near Rue de l'Anglade. A walk here lets you explore the remaining fortification walls and appreciate how the location overlooks the valley.
In 1588, authorities ordered residents from three nearby villages to guard the fortress in rotating shifts, with fines of 500 écus for those who refused. This shows how critical the defense of this location was considered for the entire region.
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