Name - Chateau d'Auriac
Location - Auriac
Department - Aude 11
Free Entrance
State - Chateau Ruin

The Chateau d'Auriac is a cathare castle which was built at the beginning of XIIth century. Today sadly it sits in ruins, it is however still possible to visit the vestiges of the chateau which overhangs the beautiful valley. Entry to the castle is carried out via the village, but it is possible to there to go up via the dirt tracks, from the route national coming from the Pont d'Orbieu.

Blueprint

A majority of the inhabitants of the village come from the neighbouring villages, and the majority of the houses in Auriac are second homes.



This chateau dominated the bridge of St Rome du Tarn within 1km to the north east of Saint Rome. Believed to be buolt in the XIth century, where it was just a tower refuge, it was transformed into feudal chateau in two parts: the higher chateau with the donjon (Bournahou) property of the family of Auriac and the lower chateau and meadows to the church Saint Martin, property of the family of Bernard. The whole was surrounded by a wall of enclosure which in turn became an important fortress.

History of the castle:

  • In 1028, the castellum of Auriag is given to the brothers of Auriac to the profit of the Viscount of Aton III.

  • In 1067, Raimondus Ameli and Bertrandus make homage to the Count Raymond of Barcelona. in spite of that, the castle always belongs to the house of Carcassonne.

  • In 1070 (or 71?), Rangarde Comtesse of Carcassonne definitively sells her rights on the field of Auriag to Raimondus Count de Barcelonne, The parish of the village always depends on the archbishop's palace of Carcassonne.

  • In 1107, Pope Paschal II, gone back to Privas, who confirms the archbishop of Narbonne, the ground of Auriac

  • In 1121, Bernard Aton, Viscount of Carcassonne, pay homage to the bishop for the grounds of Auriag until Termenes (territory close to Perpignan).

  • In 1124, Pierre Raimond d'Auriac, guarantees Raimond de Durfort, for peace and truce concluded with Bernard Aton, Viscount of Carcassonne

  • In 1125, Petrus Raimondis d'Aurig after having been a rebellious lord, makes his peace with the Viscount Bernard Aton.

  • About 1211, after the Albigensian Crusade, the chateau seems to be in possession of a lord "of north".

  • In 1227, the archbishop of Narbonne writes a letter of protest on the abusive possessions of the "lords of the crusades". He asserts amongst other things, the grounds of Auriac.

  • At the beginning of the 15th century, it seems that the chateau is altered.

  • At the 16th century, the interior buildings are modified for more comfort. Large windows, and staircases out of turrets are carried out.

  • At the end of the 17th century, it seems that architectural installations still improve the life in the apartment buildings.

  • About the 18th century, the castle is abandoned.

  • In 1849, the castle of Auriac belongs to Mr Laffont de Donos.

  • In 1859 Laffont de Donos sells the castle to Mr Casimir Ducros de Castres via auction by order of the court.

  • In 1948, the ruin is registered as a historic building.

  • Now into the 21st century, It is free to visit, but you do so at your own risk.