Donjon de Niort

The Donjon de Niort, also known as the Château de Niort, stands as a formidable testament to medieval architecture and history in the charming town of Niort, located in the Deux-Sèvres département of France. This impressive structure, with its twin square towers, dominates the Sèvre Niortaise valley, offering a glimpse into the past and the strategic importance of Niort in medieval times.

The Origins of Donjon de Niort

In the 12th century, following the marriage of Henry II Plantagenet to Eleanor of Aquitaine, the English Crown gained control over much of western France. Recognizing the strategic significance of Niort, Henry II chose this site on the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise to establish a stronghold. The construction of the castle commenced under Henry II and was completed by his son, Richard the Lionheart. The fortress served as a crucial base for maintaining links with England, housing a garrison and supplies of personnel and weapons.

Architectural Grandeur

The Donjon de Niort originally formed the central point of a massive fortress, enclosed by a rectangular curtain wall and approximately ten towers. Today, the two remaining keeps are the most prominent features of the castle. The southern keep, standing at an impressive height of 28 meters (approximately 95 feet), is reinforced with turrets and measures 13.5 meters on one side. The northern tower, slightly shorter at 23 meters, measures 14 by 15 meters. Both towers are flanked by circular turrets at the corners and semicircular buttresses, adding to their robust appearance.

The Romanesque architecture of the keeps is of high quality, with closely jointed dressed stones. The interiors, however, are rather spartan, lacking chimneys, large windows, and decorative sculptures. In the 15th century, a building was constructed between the towers, utilizing the 12th-century walls to create a lodging area. Other defensive features of the castle included a drawbridge and a dry moat, which was 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) deep.

A Turbulent History

Throughout its history, the Donjon de Niort played a pivotal role in various conflicts. At the start of the 13th century, the townspeople of Niort were besieged by Poitevin lords, who blocked the entrances to the town and cut off provisions. The castle, with its own sources of provisions from the river, became the sole supplier for the town during this blockade, which lasted several years. In 1224, the castle returned to English hands.

During the Hundred Years War, Niort alternated between French and English control. Finally, in the 14th century, the town was securely placed under the French crown, thanks to the efforts of Du Guesclin. The duc de Berry, brother of Charles V, began restoring the castle, making improvements to the residential parts of the keep. Windows were built or enlarged to allow more light, fireplaces were installed in the grand hall, and walls were painted or coated. Additionally, the duc de Berry constructed a new port on the right bank of the river, facing the fortress.

Decline and Restoration

Following the Wars of Religion, a terrace was built at the keep to store small cannons. However, the importance of Niort declined, and the castle began to fall into disrepair. In 1749, the north tower collapsed, weakening the rest of the building. There were suggestions to demolish the entire castle and build a new, more modern fortress. However, the engineer Artus restored the castle, underpinning the tower in 1751. The three diamond-shaped vaults on the present ground floor date from this period.

After the French Revolution, the castle was sold by the town to the district, which later passed it to the Département. The outer walls and most of the towers, in poor condition since the 17th century, disappeared. In 1817, the fortified walls of the town were sold and demolished. Classified as a monument historique in 1840, the castle housed the families of municipal employees and was used to store départemental archives. In 1870, the Département gave the keep and its land to the town, which continued to occupy it until the early 20th century.

Donjon de Niort Today

Today, the Donjon de Niort serves as a museum, offering visitors a fascinating journey through history. The ground floor houses an archaeological museum with exhibits from the Bronze Age, Gallo-Roman period, and Middle Ages. The first floor features a museum dedicated to chamois leather and glove making, while the second floor showcases a reconstructed Poitevin interior from 1830 and a nationally significant collection of costumes, headgear, and jewelry. From the roof, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view over the town and the Sèvre Niortaise.

In conclusion, the Donjon de Niort is not just a historical monument but a symbol of the town's rich and tumultuous past. Its imposing towers and well-preserved architecture offer a glimpse into the medieval era, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. The castle's transformation into a museum ensures that its legacy continues, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical significance and architectural beauty.