Heritage Mission 2024: two projects selected, one in Gironde, the other in Lot-et-Garonne

This year again, 100 regional projects from mainland France and abroad have been selected by the Heritage Mission “because of their heritage and cultural interest, their state of danger, the maturity of the related project and the impact they will have on the land”.

In Gironde: the Maison Forte du Prat located in Générac will benefit from financial support

“Currently, the entire north-east and north-west curtain walls have been greatly reduced and a section to the west has already collapsed”can we read on the website of the Heritage Foundation. “The original facades, especially those from the 13th or 14th century, are disappearing. If the gradual loss of these faces is a concern, the risk of some parts collapsing is a constant threat. Without quick intervention, another collapse is feared. the building will then lose an important part of its heritage value.
The program of work consists of revegetation and restoration of the masonry of the corner tower and the walls of the main building. This first installment represents nearly 90,000 euros of work on a total project of over 214,000 euros.
Work will begin in September 2024 with an expected completion in October 2025.

A bit of history

The fortified house of Prat was built in the 13th century. In the 16th century, rebuilt in Renaissance style during the religious wars, it remained among the rare fortified houses that preserve its original character.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became the property of the chapter of Saint-Sauveur, used as a tax collection center. During the Revolution, the Prat fortified house was sold as national property and was converted into a farm in the 19th century. After inheritance, it was divided in two and was almost in ruins at the end of the 20th century.
Owners since 1997 of the Prat fortified house in Générac (16th century) registered with the ISMH since 2002, project leaders are asking for support to carry out work.

In Lot-et-Garonne: the ruins of the old Jacobean convent in Port-Sainte-Marie will also benefit from an increase

It is an old Gothic church, the seat of a monastery of monks of the order of St. Dominic. Damaged during the religious wars, it was never rebuilt. Only two parts remain on the site today, namely the north aisle and the old choir wall.
The Commune intends to stabilize and enhance the ruins of this old convent.
Work should begin in January and finish in the second quarter of 2025.