Bruzac Castle is located in the town of Saint-Pierre-de-Côle, in the Dordogne department, 15 km east of Brantôme en Périgord.
Located away from the town and overlooking the Côle valley, the site actually includes the remains of two ancient castles.
The first was raised from the 11th century after a donation made by the abbey of Uzerche to the lord of the place, Hélie Flamenc, whose wife was the sister of the bishop of Limoges.
In the 13th century, the viscount of Limoges acknowledges that he holds half of the castle from the bishop. And some time later, two brothers from the Flamenc family inherited the premises. It is then in all likelihood that a second castle was erected.
A time occupied by the English during the Hundred Years War, in the 15th century, the whole area falls under the Viscounty of Rochechouart. During this same period, the castle was rebuilt, but after the Wars of Religion, the site ended up being dismantled by order of Richelieu and was already in ruins during the Revolution.
However, we can still make out the old Gothic chapel located outside the ramparts. We also observe that the main entrance was through a tower attached to the house.
Listed in the Inventory, the castle was acquired by individuals passionate about history and heritage. They have since endeavored to bring the site back to life and offer costumed visits evoking the history of the castle, run calligraphy workshops and schedule events on the theme of the Middle Ages.
Open July 14 to August 15. Price: free entry. Information on +33 6 11 40 55 37.
