It is not so well represented today as in earlier times and to appreciate its former estate one should include the St Julien, St Henri and Aurits estates. There are remains of old roman villas to be found in the sheltered hills behind the estate.
The villa of Quilianum was counted as part of the Archbishop of Narbonne’s possessions during the period of Charlemagne in 782.
In the 11th century the parish of St Julien incorporated the hamlet of Quilhanet and in 1123 the Archbishop gave the ‘Chateau of Quillan in the Corbiere’ to Bernard-Hugues in perpetuity in exchange for his service. Like many of the neighbouring domains around the Abbey de Fontfroide these were fortified sites, surrounded by gardens, fruit trees, fields and vineyards.
The 15th century saw the hamlet fall into ruin along with the old chateau, the shepherds’ dwellings, the chapel dating from the previous century. The land was given over to sheep and the families Vital de Castres, de Neveys, de Calvisson paid homage to the Archbishop during this time. In 1727 an heir, from d’Arles became interested in the property. In the pages of history, perfectly preserved in Arles, he describes the various steps taken to restore the domain to its former glory.
Chapel of Quilhanet
This little rural chapel was so lost in the midst of the domain of Quilhanet that it was very hard to find. Only recently has it been rediscovered and uncovered from the rubbish surrounding it.
Its 12m length and 6m width and 6m height give it excellent proportions with a lovely vaulted ceiling. The nave is lit from the south by 3 centred windows.