The Castle of Couzan is a ruined castle in the commune of Sail-sous-Couzan 20 km west of Lyon. This summer you have the chance to help excavate the site and learn some new skills as an archaeologist
The Château de Couzan is a ruined castle in the commune of Sail-sous-Couzan in the Loire département of France in a hilly and forested area located next to the Parc Naturel Régional Livradois-Forez.
The castle stands on a rocky outcrop to the west of Sail-sous-Couzan in the Monts du Forez range above the Lignon du Forez river. The châtellenie of Couzan was the most important in the former province of Forez.
Construction of the castle dates from the 11th century, but further building activities were carried out until the Late Middle Ages. The first building face was carried out by a cadet-line of the Barons of Semur, the Damas. The ruled the district of Brionnais, part of Bourgogne. The castle served at that time as a frontier –castle overlooking the border between France and Germany
Around the same time a church was built in the village below. Originally it was part of a Benedictine priory founded by the Barons de Semur. In 1100 it became part of the domains of Cluny. The Romanesque church was recently restored
Later one of the descendants was appointed Grand Chamberlain of France. However, in the 15th century the Lévis family took over.
In 1932 the Historic and archaeological Society of Forez – DIANA – took over. Since then, extensive restoration works have been carried out on the ruin, which has been uninhabited since the French Revolution. It has been listed since 1890 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. The surrounding lands were added to the listing in 1947.
Excavations
Earlier excavations have concentrated on the the princely hall inside the wall, which has been dated (C14) to AD 1020 – 1025. This house was superseded by a new building in 1279. Functions were both administrative, residential and military. Ornamental ceramics linked to the consumption of wine and luxury glass, attest to the seigneurial rank as does the stained glass that adorned the windows of the house. Fragments of a seal matrix also attests to the military function. The archaeological potential remains important, especially for the study of the baronial lifestyle during the last quarter of the fourteenth century.
Volunteers
This summer (2016) volunteers are heartily invited to help with ongoing excavations at the site of the castle in July. Project Manager is Mathevot Christophe, who coridally invites interested to send a CV to christophe.mathevot@ladiana.com
There is no cost for participation, as you are fed by the organisers. You just need to get yourself there (plane ticket not included) and bring a tent.
SOURCE:
READ MORE:
Sail-sous-Couzan: Couzan 2013
By Christophe Mathevot
In: ADLFI. Archéologie de la France 2015
FEATURED PHOTO:
Castle of Couzan. Source: wikipedia