Murat, Allier Département, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

🇫🇷 Murat is a commune in the Allier department in central France.

History Murat was in the Middle Ages one of the most important cities in the Duchy of Bourbon. Indeed, it is one of the seventeen ducal châtellenies and it is located on the border with Aquitaine. Murat therefore also has the goal of defending the province, like Hedgehog. The castle serves as a residence for sires, then dukes of Bourbon. Murat lost its importance when the castle was moved to Montmarault in 1687, then the capital of the canton was given to the Revolution to the same city. Since then, the village has become essentially rural, but retains a rather exceptional heritage (Romanesque church and castle) that testifies to its past greatness.

Geography Murat is located in the countryside and is crossed by departmental 33. It has a communal pond and a stadium. The relief is quite flat, except to the south, at the level of a hollow formed by the Murat stream.

Places and monuments • Murat Castle built in the 11th and 12th centuries (historic monument since 1945); ◦ The castle (ruins) has been registered as a historical monument since October 11, 1930. • Saint Nicholas Church: ◦ The entire bell tower and sacristy has been registered as a historical monument since January 21, 1958; ◦ The church except the bell tower and the sacristy has been classified as a historical monument since April 15, 1931. • Chapel of Barbate (wooden bell) dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. His restoration was rewarded with the 2020 Émile-Mâle Prize. • Chapel of the 19th century hospital. • The Château de Chatignoux has been registered as a historical monument since November 14, 1980. • Château de Robinière of the 19th century.