Fortress Mornas

Mornas, France

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Fortress Mornas in southern France stands dramatically atop a 137-meter cliff overlooking the Rhône Valley, its origins tracing back to at least the ninth century when it was first mentioned as “Rupea Morenata.”

Initially built of wood to guard the nearby village, the fortress later acquired stone ramparts and became a coveted stronghold through the medieval era, shifting hands between local counts, the Kingdom of France, and the Papacy. Fierce battles and tragic episodes marked its history, especially during the Wars of Religion, when it witnessed brutal massacres and the infamous “Sauto Barri”—the forced leap from its walls.

Over time, as turbulent centuries passed, the fortress was abandoned after the French Revolution and fell into ruin, until restoration efforts began in 1978. Today, visitors experience a vivid immersion in medieval life, with costumed guides, interactive tours, and panoramic views over the Rhône, exploring ancient walls, dungeons, and the unique salt vault, which once stored Mornas’s most prized treasure while learning about the customs and daily life of its historic inhabitants.