Perched on the summit of a rocky outcrop, it was over the centuries a true strategic site for the protection of the valley and also a place of refuge for the population. Its construction dates from the 10th century by the Count of Bigorre, Centule III, Its origin, however, seems older because the Arabs would have occupied it. In the 14th century, it was occupied by the Knights Hospitaller.Bulletin de la Société académique des Hautes-Pyrénées July–December 1933, ch 15, p 591 Then the English took possession until 1404, when Jean de Bourbon, the Count of Clermont,Bulletin de la Société académique des Hautes-Pyrénées July–December 1933, ch 15, p 610 helped by the inhabitants of the valley commanded by Aougé de Coufitte, drove them out and put an end to the English occupation of the valley."Quel avenir pour le château de Sainte-Marie?", la Dépêche, 17 January 2018 . Retrieved 27 November 2018. The castle was then gradually abandoned.
