Reillanne
Reillanne is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of southeastern France, historically significant for its Roman origins as Alaunia. After destruction by barbarians in the 10th century, its inhabitants relocated to a hilltop for defense, building a castle that later fell during the Wars of Religion. The town itself, however, endured and continues to exist today.
Key Facts
- ›Originated as the Roman town of Alaunia, first recorded in 909.
- ›The original settlement was destroyed by barbarian invasions in the 10th century.
- ›The inhabitants rebuilt the town on a hilltop for defensive purposes.
- ›A castle was constructed on the new site but was destroyed during the Wars of Religion.
- ›Reillanne is twinned with Roccasparvera, Italy, since 1996.
Hilltop Location For Defense, Remnants of A Historical Castle
Alaunia, Ralhana
Destruction of Alaunia By Barbarian Invasions, Wars of Religion
About Reillanne
Reillanne is a commune situated in the southeastern French department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Historically, it traces its origins to the Roman settlement of Alaunia, first documented in 909. This early city was located at the foot of a hill but was destroyed by barbarian invasions during the 10th century. Following this destruction, the inhabitants strategically moved the settlement to the top of the hill and constructed a castle for protection.
History and Development
The new hilltop settlement provided a more secure location. While the castle built for defense was later destroyed during the tumultuous period of the Wars of Religion, the town itself managed to survive these conflicts. Reillanne's geographical position places it north of the city of Toulon and west of Nice. The commune is also known to be twinned with Roccasparvera, Italy, a partnership established in 1996.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the earliest known settlement at Reillanne?
The earliest recorded settlement at Reillanne was the Roman town of Alaunia. It is first mentioned in historical records in 909.
Why did the original settlement of Alaunia move?
The Roman town of Alaunia was destroyed by invading barbarians in the 10th century. Following this destruction, the residents relocated the city to the top of a nearby hill for better defense.
What happened to the castle built on Reillanne's hilltop?
A castle was built on the hilltop where the town was re-established for defense. This castle was subsequently destroyed during the period of the Wars of Religion.
Is Reillanne a modern French commune?
Yes, Reillanne is a commune located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. It is situated north of Toulon and west of Nice.
Related Monasteries
Abbey of Loc-Dieu
Abbey of Loc-Dieu is a Cistercian abbey situated in Aveyron, France, founded in 1123 on a site historically known as "devil's place" before being renamed "place of God" by its monastic inhabitants. Despite facing destruction and rebuilding, it became a significant Gothic architectural site and, during World War II, served as a safe haven for artworks from the Louvre, including the Mona Lisa. Today, the abbey and its park are open to the public.
Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, originally a Benedictine abbey founded in 558, is one of the oldest churches in Paris. It served as a significant center for scholarship, producing illuminated manuscripts, and was a royal necropolis. Despite destruction by Vikings and damage during the French Revolution, the church has undergone numerous rebuilds and restorations, incorporating Romanesque, Gothic, and later decorative styles, and remains an active Catholic parish church.
Abbey of Sénanque
Sénanque Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in 1148 in Provence, France, renowned for its remarkably preserved Romanesque architecture. Initially thriving, it experienced decline and was suppressed during the French Revolution, only to be re-established in 1854 and later reactivated in 1988. Today, it houses an active monastic community and is known for its lavender fields and spiritual retreats.