Château de Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The Château de Châteauneuf-du-Pape dominates the village and its vineyards, since nearly 800 years. Its relationship with the papacy d'Avignon strongly marked Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the viticulture of the region.

He had to be a Roman castrum destroyed probably during the great invasions. What would explain, in 1094, the first mention of a Castro Novo (new fortified village), who gave the name of Châteauneuf. Only a tower be where in 1146 and it is referred to as old in 1283. These indications correspond to the Château de l'Hers, dated 12th century and which was renovated in the 13th century and the installation of the Knights Templar in Chateauneuf at the end of the 12th century.

Pontifical time

Jacques Dueze, former Bishop of Avignon, was elected Pope in 1316 and took the name of Jean XXII. Châteauneuf reporting directly to him, just installed as Pope since a quarter, he undertake to rebuild Hers castle. Then, as early as 1317, he decided to build a new castle overlooking the village. It was completed in 1333. Of share its size and its position, it was essentially a defensive function. The successors of Jean XXII stayed shortly at chateauneuf. Except when the plague threatened Avignon and that the Court ponticale brother ' is installed. Only Clement VII, from 1385 to 1387, who undertake maintenance at the Castle abandoned by his predecessors. He also replanted the vineyard. It was the Pope who resided there most.