Château d´Aguilar
The Castle of Aguilar was first mentioned in 1020.
It guarded the access to the middle of the Corbiéres. In the 13th Century it was owned by the feudal lords of the Termes, later it belonged to the King of France. For him it guarded the southern border of the Kingdom. During the peace of the Pyrenees in 1659, the borders were further extended to the south and Aguilar lost its strategic importance. The Castle was abandoned.
The ring wall, flanked by half-round towers, surrounds the Donjon, built during the 12th Century. The Castle has a religious character because of the small St. Anne's chapel. You will find the Castle of Aguilar between Vingrau, Tuchan and Durban.
Arriving at this place from the direction of Vingrau, there is a small path on the right hand side of Tuchan, leading to the castle. Arriving from Durban, there is a path left before Tuchan. Arriving from Tuchan, you can follow the D611 in towards Durban and then turn right to the castle. You can follow this path (very small) through the vineyards to a car park. From there it is a 15 minute walk to the castle. Good footwear is recommended.
It guarded the access to the middle of the Corbiéres. In the 13th Century it was owned by the feudal lords of the Termes, later it belonged to the King of France. For him it guarded the southern border of the Kingdom. During the peace of the Pyrenees in 1659, the borders were further extended to the south and Aguilar lost its strategic importance. The Castle was abandoned.
The ring wall, flanked by half-round towers, surrounds the Donjon, built during the 12th Century. The Castle has a religious character because of the small St. Anne's chapel. You will find the Castle of Aguilar between Vingrau, Tuchan and Durban.
Arriving at this place from the direction of Vingrau, there is a small path on the right hand side of Tuchan, leading to the castle. Arriving from Durban, there is a path left before Tuchan. Arriving from Tuchan, you can follow the D611 in towards Durban and then turn right to the castle. You can follow this path (very small) through the vineyards to a car park. From there it is a 15 minute walk to the castle. Good footwear is recommended.
Photos: Ingo Schreiber