Lecture: Medieval and Renaissance Castles of Périgord, France

Join the Coral Gables Museum for a lecture exploring the medieval and Renaissance architecture of the Périgord region in southwestern France. The presentation examines how history, feudal authority, religious institutions, and regional craftsmanship shaped the architectural identity of the area.

The program highlights several important landmarks across the region, including the cliff-top fortress of Château de Beynac, the preserved medieval Château de Puymartin, and the Romanesque abbey church of Abbaye de Saint-Amand-de-Coly. Additional sites discussed include Château de Hautefort, known for its formal architectural design, Château de Losse, which reflects Renaissance influence, and Château de Montaigne, associated with the philosopher Michel de Montaigne. The lecture will also examine Château de Rastignac, noted for its classical architectural inspiration.

Through these examples, the presentation looks at how castles, religious buildings, and historic estates reflect the political, cultural, and architectural developments that shaped the Périgord from the medieval period through the Renaissance.