Hôtel de Ville, Angoulême, Medieval castle in Angoulême, France
The Hôtel de Ville is a former fortress situated on a strategic rocky ridge rising prominently above the Charente River, creating a striking landmark visible across the city. The complex contains several structures including an ancient keep and multiple towers that reflect building styles from different medieval periods.
The fortress was established by Count Alduin around the year 886 and later served as the residence for the Counts of Angoulême for centuries. In the 13th century a keep was built, and in the 15th century additional towers were constructed, showing how the site evolved over time.
The building serves as the administrative center where locals conduct official business and community matters. The transformation from fortress to town hall reflects how this place became central to civic life in Angoulême.
Visitors can explore parts of the building during designated hours while it operates as the town hall and government offices. Check ahead to learn which areas are open to the public, as administrative functions take priority over tours.
A telegraph station operated at this location in 1825, and a stone marker called the 'pierre du télégraphe' remains as the only reminder of this early communication technology. This simple stone commemorates a time when messages traveled across distances through optical signals.
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