How old is Lourdes castle ?

Its foundations date back to the 11th century, with major rebuilding in the 14th and 15th centuries, then again between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Was Lourdes castle used as a prison ?

Yes, it served as a royal and later a state prison from the 17th century until the early 20th century.

Is the castle a listed historic monument ?

Yes, the whole fortified castle has been a listed historic monument since 1995, apart from a few adjoining buildings.

Château fort de Lourdes

Lourdes Castle

Lourdes

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Lourdes

To make a day of it

Sleep nearby

Château fort de Lourdes stands in Lourdes (Hautes-Pyrénées), in the Occitanie region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 11th century, 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 19th century). No visits are on record for this building.

Perched on a rocky outcrop at the heart of Lourdes, this fortified castle has guarded the entrance to the Lavedan valleys since the Middle Ages. Once a stronghold and later a state prison, it now houses the Pyrenean museum, dedicated to the folk arts and traditions of the Pyrenees. A visit combines military architecture, views over the town and ethnographic collections.

Written from Château fort de Lourdes

What to know

The site stands right in the centre of Lourdes, on a rocky height overlooking the town.
Access involves climbing a slope, on foot or by lift depending on the facilities in place.
The interior houses the Pyrenean museum, the largest museum of folk arts and traditions in the Pyrenees.
The monument has been listed as a historic monument since 1995.
Some adjoining buildings, such as the curator's lodging and the garage, are not part of the listing.

Where this château is

Lourdes · Hautes-Pyrénées · Occitanie

Map of the area around Château fort de Lourdes

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrénées

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00135708
Period of construction: 11th century, 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 19th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

How old is Lourdes castle ?: Its foundations date back to the 11th century, with major rebuilding in the 14th and 15th centuries, then again between the 17th and 19th centuries.
What can be seen inside the castle ?: The castle houses the Pyrenean museum, dedicated to the folk arts and traditions of the Pyrenees, along with a chapel and archaeological remains.
Was Lourdes castle used as a prison ?: Yes, it served as a royal and later a state prison from the 17th century until the early 20th century.
Is the castle a listed historic monument ?: Yes, the whole fortified castle has been a listed historic monument since 1995, apart from a few adjoining buildings.