Castillet

The Castillet, an iconic landmark in the heart of Perpignan, France, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. This striking red-brick structure, once a formidable defensive gate and state prison, now houses the Musée Catalan des Arts et Traditions Populaires, offering visitors a fascinating journey through time and tradition.

The Historical Significance of the Castillet

Constructed around 1368 under the direction of master builder Guillaume Gatard on the orders of the Infant John of Aragon, the Castillet was initially designed to replace the Vernet Gate, facilitating passage through the city walls to the suburb. This massive fortress was built to withstand northern offensives, featuring a drawbridge that has since been removed. Its robust architecture and strategic location made it a critical component of Perpignan's defenses.

During the brief occupation of Roussillon by Louis XI, the Castillet's purpose shifted from a defensive fortress to a state prison. Iron grilles were added to the windows, and the drawbridge was dismantled. To maintain access to the Vernet suburb, the Petit Castillet, also known as the Portal de Nostra Dona del Pont, was constructed adjacent to the original building between 1481 and 1485.

In 1542, Charles V further fortified the Castillet by adding a polygonal bastion to its northern side, enhancing its defensive capabilities. This bastion, along with the original structure, was reinforced by Vauban in the 17th century, ensuring the Castillet remained a formidable stronghold. Despite its transformation into a prison, the Castillet's military significance persisted, and it continued to serve as a symbol of Perpignan's resilience and strength.

Architectural Marvels

The Castillet's architecture is a unique blend of military functionality and decorative elements. The structure is primarily built from bricks, a common material for military constructions in Perpignan during the 14th and 15th centuries. The use of river pebbles and a resilient mix of lime and crushed bricks, known as terbol, ensured the building's durability.

The Grand Castillet measures 31 meters in length, while the Petit Castillet is 8 meters long. The crenellated parapets rise 20 meters above the ground, with the turret reaching a height of 29.20 meters. The walls, varying in thickness from 3.50 meters at the base to 1.60 meters at the third floor, provide a glimpse into the fortress's defensive prowess. Two spiral staircases, one within the Grand Castillet and another in the wall between the Grand and Petit Castillet, offer access to the terrace, allowing visitors to explore the fortress's various levels.

The Castillet as a State Prison

As a state prison, the Castillet housed various prisoners, including common criminals and detained soldiers. Historical documents from the 17th century provide a detailed account of the prison's layout. The Grand Castillet's basement contained the white dungeon, while the first floor housed the Governor's chamber. The second floor featured rooms for fanatics and torture chambers equipped with instruments of punishment.

The Petit Castillet's basement held the black dungeon, with the first floor designated for galley slaves. The second floor contained a chapel and a room for imprisoning soldiers, while the third floor was reserved for female prisoners. The terrace, paved with stones, served as a promenade area for the inmates. Despite being classified as a historical monument in 1889, the Castillet continued to function as a prison for several years, with notable escapes, including six prisoners in 1892.

The Enigma of the Child of the Castillet

In 1948, a mysterious discovery added an intriguing chapter to the Castillet's history. Louis Xaragai, the municipal librarian, uncovered a hidden room in the Petit Castillet containing the skeleton of a child. The remains, along with various artifacts, sparked numerous theories, including a wild speculation that the child might have been Louis XVII. While the true identity of the child remains unknown, the discovery adds a poignant and enigmatic layer to the Castillet's storied past.

The Musée Catalan des Arts et Traditions Populaires

Today, the Castillet is home to the Musée Catalan des Arts et Traditions Populaires, also known as Casa Pairal. This ethnographic museum, located on the second floor of the Castillet, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Catalan region. The museum's origins date back to 1914 when the Société d'Archéologie et de l'Histoire du Roussillon proposed creating a museum to preserve Roussillon's antiquities.

Following World War I, the Colla del Rossello began collecting donations of Catalan artifacts, including traditional costumes, shawls, and other cultural items. The first exhibition, held in 1941, marked the beginning of the museum's journey. Over the years, the collection grew, attracting attention from notable figures such as Georges Henri Rivière, director of the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires in Paris.

Visitors to the museum can explore a diverse array of exhibits that celebrate Catalan traditions, offering a captivating glimpse into the region's history and cultural identity. From traditional costumes to everyday objects, the museum provides an immersive experience that connects visitors to the vibrant heritage of Catalonia.

In conclusion, the Castillet stands as a proud symbol of Perpignan's enduring spirit and rich historical tapestry. Its transformation from a defensive fortress to a state prison and finally to a cultural museum reflects the city's dynamic evolution. A visit to the Castillet not only offers a journey through centuries of history but also a deep appreciation for the cultural traditions that continue to thrive in this enchanting region of France.