For 1,000 years, the castle’s imposing proportions have dominates the valley and given the village its appearance as an impregnable citadel.
First mentioned in 1031, the medieval Château de Gordes was redesigned and extended in the 14th century when the region was under attack by the troops of Raymond de Turenne. But the coming of the Renaissance and the dream of a new way of life helped transform the feudal castle into a more welcoming residence.
Thus, beginning in 1525, Bertrand Rambaud de Simiane, whose powerful family reigned over most of the Luberon villages, was the first to start transforming the castle. The lords of Gordes never lived in the castle and were happy to just collect the revenues from the seigneury. It was used as a prison, a warehouse for storing harvests and to house garrisons. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, it was at the heart of the village life; there was a bar, school for boys, school cafeteria, post office, pharmacy and town hall.
The monumental Renaissance chimney is remarkable for its dimensions as well as the quality and beauty of its sculptures.
Today the castle is a cultural centre dedicated to exhibitions.
References:The Broch of Clickimin is a large and well preserved, though somewhat restored broch near Lerwick. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch (now increased in size by silting and drainage), it was approached by a stone causeway. The water-level in the loch was reduced in 1874, leaving the broch high and dry. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large 'blockhouse' between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. Another unusual feature is a stone slab featuring sculptured footprints, located in the causeway which approached the site. Situated across the loch is the Clickimin Leisure Centre.