QR La Sauvetat 5
The loggias
In the 14th and 15th centuries, the feeling of insecurity following the Hundred Years’ War led village communities to negotiate with the lords to construct a series of public fortifications to protect the population and its property. This led to the creation of a number of village forts in Auvergne, including the one at La Sauvetat, built under the auspices of the Hospitallers.
In addition to their regular home, the inhabitants were able to acquire a plot of land on which to build a hut known as a loggia, fort, cabin or room. Small in size, these loggias were neatly arranged according to a plan and, in La Sauvetat, they form narrow streets in a halo around the cloister and are enclosed by an outer wall. In exchange for this seigneurial privilege, the tenants were usually required to fulfil certain obligations, such as keeping watch, paying taxes or taking part in the defence.
Although occupied sporadically, the loggias offered a degree of comfort, as evidenced by the fireplaces and painted décor that have survived. There were 150 of them in the 16th century. As the site subsequently lost its defensive role, they became simple wine-growing or agricultural annexes.