Château de Ham, Medieval castle ruins in Ham, France
Château de Ham is a medieval fortress in Ham with a rectangular plan featuring round corner towers and square towers integrated into its defensive walls. The entire structure occupies a substantial area surrounded by what remains of the original fortifications.
First recorded in 1052, the fortress underwent major reconstruction in the 15th century when a prominent cylindrical keep was added. This tower became a defining feature of the castle's enhanced defenses during the medieval period.
The fortress served as a political prison for centuries, housing prominent detainees who shaped French history through their actions and ideas. Walking through the ruins today, you can still sense the weight of these historical events embedded in the stone.
The ruins are located in a public park at the eastern edge of Ham and can be visited free of charge year-round. Because sections are fragmentary and the ground can be uneven, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploration.
German forces destroyed the fortress with explosives in March 1917, leaving only fragments of the entrance tower and scattered fortifications. This wartime destruction transformed the site into a stark reminder of the widespread damage from the First World War.
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