Gourdon (Lot)
Gourdon is a commune with 4497 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Lot in the Midi-Pyrénées region. It is the administrative seat for the district of Gourdon Gourdon and Canton.
Geography
Gourdon is called between the Causse de Gramat and Périgord, in a sandy landscape, Bouriane. The nearest large towns are Cahors ( 45 km), Sarlat (25 km) and Brive- la -Gaillarde (50 km).
History
The area of Gourdon has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as in Gallo- Roman times. In the Middle Ages a castrum was built on a rocky promontory, surrounded by a ring walls castle. The Lords of Gourdon are first mentioned in the 11th century. 1244 receives the Gourdon a constitution under which they will be ruled by four consuls. 1316 takes over John of Armagnac, Count of Rodez, the rule in the city.
The 16th century was the most prosperous time Gourdon, already at that time lived in the town of about 5,000 people. King Louis XIII. had the castle built in 1619 grind after Pons de Lauzières - Thémines had stood against him in a dispute with Marie de Medici.
Demographics
From 1962 only residents with a primary residence
Monuments
Twinning
Gourdon has been twinned with the Westphalian city of Ibbenbüren. The local Johannes-Kepler -Gymnasium maintains close contacts and a student exchange program with the Lycée of Gourdon.
Personalities
- Bertrand de Gourdon
- Jean -Baptiste Cavaignacs