Callas (Var)

Callas is a commune with 1823 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Var department in the Provence- Alpes- Côte d' Azur.

Geography

Callas is in a pronounced pre-alpine landscape 15 km north-east of Draguignan, 42 km from Grasse and 35 km from the coast at the edge of a slope.

History

Even before the Romans settled in Pennafort, the area was inhabited by Celtic- Ligurian tribes of Callas. In 1030 the site was mentioned as Calars. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Callas was a fief of the family of Pontevès, after the assassination of Jean -Baptiste de Pontevès by the population of the municipality, Callas was directly subordinated to the king.

The Holy Auxilius, Bishop of Fréjus in the 5th century, is to be buried on the hill, stands on the now named after him chapel. In the 17th century, he was the patron saint of parish Callas.

Attractions

• Callas is a picturesque place that stretches up the hillside on a hill and is dominated by the ruins of the old castle. In the village you will discover streets with cobblestones, vaulted alleys and passages, beautiful doorways and courtyards. The houses in Callas have been the character of the Provencal Alps: tall, narrow facades with porches and barns in the upper levels.
• From the castle from the 13th century, a few residues can only be left. There are still some walls and the keep.
• The bell tower, with its wrought-iron lace dates from 1623.
• The Gorges de Pennafort is located a few kilometers away.
• The ruined chapel Chapelle de la Trinité was recently rebuilt.