Long before the Templars, the site was a thriving prehistoric settlement, evidenced by the rich concentration of archeological Cro-Magnon rock shelters spread around the area. In the Middle Ages, the castle was a key administrative and cultural center of the area, and was one of the main departure points on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, later becoming a pilgrim hospice. In 1316, the commander of Sergeac, Guillaume de Crémirac, reinstituted the local community around the area and renamed the castle 'Château de Crémirac'. It served as the order's central commandery in the region and was the home of the grand master of the order in Périgord Noir (Sarladais) until the order was purged in 1307. 1220 by the Order of the Knights Templar.
A French national historic monument, the château is situated in the heart of the Vézère river valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Valley of Mankind. Templar commandery and seat of Grand MasterĤ5☀0′09″N 1☀6′23″E / 45.00257°N 1.10630☎ / 45.00257 1.10630Ĭhâteau Cramirat (or de Cramirat) is a 12th-century Templar castle in the village of Sergeac, Dordogne ( Nouvelle-Aquitaine), southwest France.
