Sauveterre-de-Guyenne


Sauveterre-de-Guyenne is a commune in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France.

Toponymy

Before 1896, Sauveterre-de-Guyenne was better known as Sauveterre-de Bazadais. This Bastide was built in a small village called "Athala" and was first named Salva-Terra, which later became Saubeterre and then Sauveterre.

History

Sauveterre-de-Guyenne was founded as an English Bastide in 1281 by King Edward I of England, in the name of ending rivalries among the lords. He signed the "Charte des Coutumes de la Cité" in 1283, which protected the inhabitants and set the rules of life in the village community.

Structure

Sauveterre-de-Guyenne is a very well maintained Bastide, having the typical Bastide 'grid' layout. The entry points into the city were through four stone tower gates. The central market square is surrounded by stone houses and the typical arcades on the ground floor, full of shops. The Church of Notre Dame is located at the top of the square.

Population

Twin towns - sister cities

TownState/RegionCountry
Olite