Lime Kiln

At the end of the 19th century, Italian civil and military engineers opened a number of major construction sites in Tende and La Brigue, to complete the road link with Piedmont and, above all, to build defensive works in this strategically important border area. The factory's hearth, topped by its chimney, is the best-preserved part.

The old lime kiln at La Brigue, a historic site in the Alpes-Maritimes, was built at the end of the 19th century to meet the needs of the industrialization of lime production in the region. This imposing, truncated cone-shaped structure measures around 20 meters in height and 10 meters in diameter. It was used until the end of the 20th century to produce quicklime, an essential material for construction, agriculture and other industries.

Located on the Morignole road, near the River Levenza, the lime kiln is now in ruins, but remains a significant testimony to local industrial history. Open to the public free of charge, it was listed as a historic monument in 1993. The site offers an immersive experience, with construction in several stages between 1870 and 1880, use until the end of the 20th century, and a marked presence in the regional economy of the 19th century.

In addition to its historical importance, the La Brigue lime kiln is associated with a nearby limestone quarry, in operation since the 15th century. This dark-gray, slightly schistose limestone was widely used in construction, as can be seen on the Saint-Martin church in La Brigue.

The comprehensive document on the site, originally created by Patricia Balandier in 2018, includes bibliographical references, archive records, internet links, current views of the site, explanatory diagrams, and detailed information on the use of La Brigue limestone. A place of interest for history and heritage enthusiasts, the lime kiln bears tangible witness to the region's industrial past.