Palais-Royal, Saint-Émilion

Historic Site and Palace in Saint-Émilion

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Didier Descouens

The Palais Cardinal in Saint-Émilion is a historic structure dating back to the 12th century. It was originally a grand town house, later exaggeratedly called a “palace,” and is believed to have been built for Gaillard de la Mothe, nephew of Pope Clement V. The building features Romanesque architectural elements, including arched openings with geometric and floral decorations, as well as twin bays that reflect the medieval style of Saint-Émilion.

The Palais Cardinal was part of the Romanesque perimeter wall, which served as both a defensive structure and a display of wealth for the town’s burghers. The façade, still visible today, was integrated into the city’s fortifications, showcasing the town’s prosperity during its golden age in the 13th century. The presence of latrine pipes in the ruins suggests that the building offered a certain level of comfort, which was rare for medieval residences.

Today, visitors can admire the ruins of the Palais Cardinal from outside the city. The structure remains an important historical site, reflecting the town’s medieval heritage and its connection to the influential figures of the time. If you’re exploring Saint-Émilion, it’s worth descending into the moat to get a closer look at the architectural details.

The Palais-Royal, Saint-Émilion appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Émilion!

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