The castle of Alba la Romaine
The castle of Alba la Romaine
The Château d’Alba-la-Romaine, in the Ardèche department, is a remarkable historic site. Perched on a hill, it dominates the picturesque village of Alba-la-Romaine and the surrounding area. The castle offers spectacular panoramic views over the valley.
An ancient Gallo-Roman city
The history of the Château d’Alba la Romaine is closely linked to that of the village of Alba-la-Romaine, formerly known as Alba Helviorum. It was a prosperous Gallo-Roman town. Archaeological remains from this period (ompliment the visit and enrich the understanding of the historical importance of the site. An archaeological museum is dedicated to them.
A medieval castle
In the 11th century, the bishops of Viviers built a quadrangular keep. It is comparable to that of Rochemaure or Mirabel, around which the population gathered, forming the first castrum. This first castle, known as the “old castle”, is located to the north-west. The castle evolved during the Middle Ages. The keep became a fortified castle, still founded on the volcanic dyke.
In the 15th century, an extension beyond the dyke was built in place of the future new château. The MONTAGUT family: reigned from 1668 to 1793. This large family of royal descent lived in Versailles and paid little attention to the affairs of the Château d’Aps. It was under the MONTAGUT family that the roof of the old château collapsed. The south and north facades followed much later, in the 20th century.
A castle modified over the centuries
The revolutionary period: in the Ardèche, there were a number of uprisings 10 years before the French Revolution. In 1779, the inhabitants of Aps refused to pay certain taxes. Despite being condemned to pay, they rebelled and looted the castle of Alba la Romaine, burning books and documents. The furniture was sold at auction.
Where to stay in Alba La Romaine
Alba la Romaine is less than an hour’s drive from Mas de la Fontenette, so we recommend this 4-star gite with heated pool and wellness area.
Itinerary Mas de la Fontenette – Chateau d’Alba la Romaine
A short hour’s drive will take you from Mas de la Fontenette to the Château d’Alba la Romaine. Here is the Googlemaps itinerary.
