Martel is a captivating medieval town located in the Lot department of southwestern France, within the Occitania region. Often referred to as the "City of Seven Towers" due to its distinctive skyline, Martel boasts a rich history and well-preserved architectural heritage.

The town's name, Martel, meaning "hammer" in French, is said to be linked to Charles Martel, the Frankish military leader who famously defeated the Muslim forces at the Battle of Tours in 732. However, it's more likely that the town was founded as an urban center by Rodulphe, the first Viscount of Turenne [1, 2].

Martel's strategic location at the crossroads of important trading routes (including the salt route from the Atlantic and wine routes from Aquitaine) contributed to its prosperity from the Middle Ages onwards. It also served as a significant stopover for pilgrims on their way to the renowned pilgrimage site of Rocamadour [1, 3, 7].

The 13th century was a period of significant economic growth for Martel, during which many grand merchant houses were built. The town was even granted the right to mint its own money and housed a royal court of appeal [2, 7]. Martel was briefly under English control during the Hundred Years' War through the Treaty of Brétigny but was retaken by the French [2, 3].

Martel truly earns its nickname. While some of the original defensive walls are gone, the town's skyline is still punctuated by numerous medieval towers. These include [1, 3]: Tournemire Tower (Square Tower): Once a prison and part of the city's defenses, it offers panoramic views.; Cordeliers Tower: All that remains of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1230; Maison Fabri Tower: Where Henry the Young King is believed to have died; Palais de la Raymondie Tower: Part of the impressive 14th-century palace; Julianie of Penitents Tower; Saint-Maur Church Tower: A 16th-century bell tower and defensive structure; Hôtel de Mirandol Tower.

Place de la Halle (Place des Consuls): The central cobbled square is the heart of Martel. It's dominated by the impressive 18th-century covered market hall, where bustling markets take place every Wednesday and Saturday morning, offering local produce like truffles, foie gras, walnuts, cheeses, and honey [1, 3, 6, 7].

References

• 1. Holidays in Martel in the Dordogne Lot region of France - FranceComfort.
• 2. Martel, Lot - Wikipedia.
• 3. Martel | Visit Dordogne Valley.
• 4. Things to See and Do in Martel the Lot, France - Everything Dordogne.
• 5. Martel - DordogneMaison.
• 6. Martel, Lot - Dordogne.
• 7. Martel, Lot; town of the seven towers - North of the Dordogne
• 8. Visit Martel: Discovery, Heritage, and Activities – Complete Guide from Camping Le Séquoia

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