The Safe Haven
The manor ‘Pré Fantasti’ was once a safe haven for two nephews of Pope Mattéo Barberini, also known as Urbain VIII, elected in 1623. Now in ruins, the building still marks the spirits. Reputed to be haunted, the legend still amuses those who walk the ancient footpaths around Caromb
The Legend
Pope Urbain VIII had two nephews, Cardinals François and Antoine Barberini who both indulged in alchemy (the art of transforming metal, particularly lead into gold). Alchemy was forbidden in the XVIIth century, considered to be more in the realm of witchcraft than science and those who were adept risked torture and burning at the stake.
In 1635, to protect them and to avoid a scandal, the pope sent his nephews to Caromb in the Comtat Venaissin.
The relationship between the brothers rapidly deteriorated due to financial issues. One of the brothers expressed his discontent only to receive a flask of vitriol in his face. Disfigured and burnt, he agonised for hours roaming around the bleak manor until dying in atrocious suffering.
From that day on the divine punishment was dreadful. Every night the ghost of the murderers brother came to haunt him until he finally lost his mind.
He erred around the sinister mansion up until his death. Since then no-one dared enter the building until 1909.
The Pré Fantasti Manor Discovery Trail – Circular Walk
Within the ENS reserve of the Paty Hills this discovery trail will lead you to the Paty Lake via the Pré Fantasti Manor with its history and legends. A walk through mediterranean grasslands, local cultures (olives and figs) and traces of the old stone quarries.