Château de Rabanesse

In the Kessler-Rabanesse neighbourhood sits an unusual building with a tower, probably dating from the 15th century. The building nicknamed the Château de Rabanesse was revamped for various uses and served as a meteorological station.

The château’s origins dates back to those of an 11th century fiefdom named Rabanisça or Rabanessa in ancient Occitan. Close to the city, this fortified farm supplied the estate with foodstuffs but also assisted in its defence, since its position enabled it to send a warning in the event of an attack.

The square tower is probably from the 15th century. It features a spiral staircase lit by six levels of small bay windows framed by Volvic stone moulding. The two-storey adjoining rectangular lodge features irregular openings that may date back to the 17th or 18th century. It also shows traces where adjacent buildings were torn off and demolished. This lodge used to house a wheel mill, since the Tiretaine river flowed in this spot.

From 1874 to 1911, the building became a lowland metrological station. The tower was then raised and levelled to a terrace to accommodate the measuring instruments, while the lodge was used successively as a telegraph office, a photo laboratory and a library. Connected to the Puy de Dôme observatory by a telegraph line, the station exchanged observations from the two stations with those of the Paris observatory.

In the early 21st century the building was still derelict. It was restored when the Kessler-Rabanesse district was renovated. The château was listed on the historic monuments registry in 2009.