Why Did They Build This 1000 Years Ago?

Uzerche

Uzerche, a picturesque town in the Corrèze department of central France, is often called the "Pearl of the Limousin."

Its construction and development are deeply rooted in its strategic location and rich history, making it a significant example of medieval urban planning and architecture.

Uzerche's origins date back to Roman times, when it was a key fortification along the Via Agrippa, a crucial Roman road linking Lyon to the Atlantic coast.

The town's position atop a rocky promontory overlooking the Vézère River provided a natural defensive advantage, making it an ideal site for settlement and fortification. This strategic location continued to influence the town's development throughout the medieval period.

Uzerche became an important religious and administrative centre during the early Middle Ages. The construction of the Abbey of Saint-Pierre in the 9th century was a pivotal moment in the town's history. With its powerful influence, this Benedictine abbey attracted settlers and led to the growth of a thriving community around it.

The abbey's construction, which lasted several centuries, contributed significantly to Uzerche's architectural heritage. Its Romanesque style, characterized by solid, rounded arches and thick walls, became a defining feature of the town's buildings.

The fortification of Uzerche began in earnest during the 12th and 13th centuries as the town's importance grew. The construction of ramparts, towers, and fortified gates transformed Uzerche into a formidable stronghold.

The town's layout reflects its defensive priorities, with narrow, winding streets that would have been difficult for invaders to navigate. Many medieval structures, including parts of the original ramparts, are still visible today, offering a glimpse into the town's fortified past.

Throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods, Uzerche continued to expand, building noble houses, churches, and public buildings.

The town's prosperity was closely linked to its position as a regional hub for trade and governance. The timber-framed houses, stone mansions, and intricately carved doorways that line Uzerche's streets are a testament to the wealth and status of its inhabitants during these periods.

In the modern era, Uzerche has preserved much of its historical character, making it a popular destination for visitors interested in history and architecture.

The town's careful preservation efforts ensure that the architectural heritage, shaped by centuries of construction and development, remains a defining feature of Uzerche, allowing it to retain its title as the "Pearl of the Limousin."

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#uzerche #roamingroger #frencharchitecture

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[nickhickson]

What treasures Roger brings to the channel.

[michaelmcloughlin]

The stone on the corner is to protect the building. They do not want the building to be clipped and damaged by the wheel of a heavy cart. We have them in Galway in Ireland too.

[giogio]

I worked in italy with a bunch of guys who worked mainly on restoration of old buildings..the quality of work was outstanding..everything sand, cement render, marble, granite even used to make bathroom furniture out of cut marble..built to last.

[jim_jim]

Magnificent, I just love Roger telling stories of these historical attractions 👏👏👏

[sevenodonata]

The production qualites on these vids is superb!

[jstubbs]

not your usual content roger but excellent and interesting as always, in joy your hols and time with family .

[adamwolf]

Loving these history/architecture videos Roger

[harveysmith]

many thanks for sharing that Roger. Beautiful buildings warm the heart

[timstradling]

I just love meandering round old French towns and villages. I usually have my gaze upwards like you, taking in all the vernacular detail of the buildings, marvelling at the skill levels that are still employed in maintenance and repair. Nationally they are still a bit phillistinic, covering any inconvenient degradation in cement render to the detriment of the surrounding natural materials. Enjoy your holiday tours !

[guzziwheeler]

Shoutout from SW Germany, Roger! These standing stones close to a building are wheel deflectors, to protect the building from cart wheel damage. here in my area we have a funny, not vulgar but familar name for them: Hundsbrunzer. Hund = dog, brunzen = to piss (dialect). Any questions?

[SeanChristieMallon]

That was a beautiful story and video mate, thank you

[patricksmith]

The sheer laziness of some architects to dump square boxes with no thought for the surrounding landscape baffles me

[-htl-]

Brilliant, did not expect this from the Skill Builder channel. Living a little bit further down stream in the Vallée de la Vézère before one of the nicer and clean French cities Brive la Guillarde. They also say that Coco Channel grew up in Uzerche and learned the skill of sowing with the nuns. The town calls itself the pearl of the Corrèze. Of course there are more nice towns although none build like a long castle fort on a ridge of a hill next to the river. Nice one Roger

[edshellard]

Just found your channel! Love it! Binge watching!! ❤❤❤

[Martin-md]

Very informative. Never learned so much before 7am on a Monday morning. What a please to watch great job. 👍 thank you.

[raphael]

*Un British qui me fait découvrir un ville française. Incroyable !* 😊

[pauluk]

Great video Roger and what a lovely well kept place. What a difference to those American houses with their felt shingles! Europe has some beautiful architecture.

[XOsubmariner]

Roger are you related to Fred dibnah I love your passion and no nonsense bish bosh narration. I live on a boat opposite Rochester castle binge watching your videos take care mate and keep them coming 👍

[Herpitor]

Wow, that's my local town!! Well done, Roger! Fantastic overview of the buildings in Uzerche (which is pronounced 'Uzershhh', BTW) and some great exploration of the contrasting building styles through the ages. How lovely to see a bit of France in amongst your journeys through English buildings. Nice one!

[Hamishtarah]

10:59 After visually loitering in the charming streets of the ancien town, discovering walls and houses filled with history and memories, the very shocking view of French modernity !!