Donjon de Rouen
The Donjon de Rouen is a round defensive tower from the 13th century that rises above the old town and was originally part of a large fortified structure. The walls are remarkably thick, the tower reaches impressive height, and the interior still shows simple stone chambers with winding stairs that lead to broad views over the city.
The tower was built in the 13th century by King Philip II Augustus to protect the city and secure royal authority. Over centuries it was the setting for decisive moments in Rouen's history, from the battles of the Hundred Years' War to the Wars of Religion, before being recognized as a monument in the 19th century and later opened as a museum.
The donjon was built in the Middle Ages as a center of royal power and continues to shape the city's identity today. Visitors can read in its walls how important this place was for defending and governing Rouen, and feel in its stone rooms the presence of that distant past.
The tower is easily reached by public transport or walking from the city center, and the surrounding area offers cafes and shops for visitors. It is helpful to check opening hours beforehand, as a guided or self-guided tour through the interior offers deeper understanding of the structure and its past.
The donjon's walls are over 13 feet (4 meters) thick, showing how seriously its builders took defense and what resources the king had at his disposal. This exceptional construction allowed the tower to survive all the city's changes while the surrounding castle long since disappeared.
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