Laurac

Laurac was a common French, located in the department of the Aude and the area Languedoc-Roussillon. It is the capital of the Lauragais until the 14th century. The inhabitants of Laurac are lauracais them and lauracaises. One can stress that the Carte of Cassini mentions " Laurac the grand" , however, administratively speaking, the village is always called Laurac. This name is perhaps used to differentiate it from Laurac-in-Vivarais in Ardèche.

Geography

The village with the form of a Circulade: it is a feudal Castrum of circular type of which the lanes surround the top on which is located the strengthened church. It is located on a hill overhanging the plain of the Lauragais and is registered with the inventory of the picturesque sites of the Aude since the April 26th 1946. Laurac is located at 10 km of Fanjeaux, to 12 km of Castelnaudary, to 24 km of Belpech and to 25 km of Mirepoix.

History

Formerly strengthened and equipped knights, it gave his name to the Lauragais. It was an old fortress, dating from the 8th century whose only remainders are the Saliége door and some ends of ramparts.

For a long time the castle belongs to the Viscounts of Carcassonne. Then it belongs to Guillaume IV of Toulouse which, in 1071, gave them in stronghold to the count de Barcelone. In 1179, the king of Aragon gives to Roger II of Béziers the castle of Laurac and the Lauragais. But in 1211, Simon de Montfort seizes the castle of Laurac.

In 1213, the count Raymond VI of Toulouse gives between the hands of the king the castle of Laurac. Of 1226 with 1238, Bernard-Othon is lord of Laurac. In 1233, it builds new enclosing walls and increases the fortifications. The Lauragais is then set up in county in 1478 and is given in exchange to Bertrand of the Tower. Catherine de Médicis becomes countess of Lauragais. After the 14th century, the capital of Lauragais moves towards Castelnaudary and Saint-Papoul which has more influences.

As in much of other French villages, one notes that the symbols of the royalty (flower of lily in particular) which decorated the buildings and the administrative registers were destroyed at the time of the Revolution.

Administration

Demography

Graph of the evolution of the population 1793-1999

Places and monuments

  • Remainders of ramparts of the medieval enclosure.

  • Church castrale the St. Lawrence of the 13th century having a Romance triumphal arch, sculptures dating from the Rebirth, a marble high altar, a way of cross and a table carved wood. On its porch is carved the armorial bearings on the Frontispice of the gate of entry whose tree of the escutcheon is a bay-tree, emblem of glory and success. The church of Laurac, if it is still in work is characterized by its porch, which when it is crossed glance, lets foresee with semi vision Christ on her cross, which represents a remarkable scene. Indeed, to look through the porch makes it possible to see the light until the distance, and right in the middle of this clearness which spouts out of the shade, Christ appears.
  • Porte Saliège of the 8th century kept the entry of the village. It was consisted thick wood panels furnished with iron plates.
  • Wall known as of White of Laurac (White of Paracols) Perfect E of the area, testimony of the Catharisme.
  • Malemort is the site of three gibets 11th century and witness of the Massacre of the Saint Barthelemy.

Personalities related to the commune

Gallery

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