Donjon de Houdan, Medieval keep in Houdan, France
Donjon de Houdan is a cylindrical stone tower that rises about 25 meters high and has small corner structures at each cardinal direction. The walls are roughly three meters thick, creating a solid structure that has survived to the present day.
Built between 1120 and 1137 by Amaury III of Montfort, the tower served as a defensive fortification. Throughout its entire military service, it was never successfully attacked or taken by an enemy.
The tower bears 17th-century marks etched into its stone walls by visitors of that era. Walking around the interior, you can spot these marks and feel the presence of people who passed through centuries ago.
The climb to the viewing platform involves roughly 250 steps that are in good walking condition. Once at the top, you get a wide view across the surrounding region.
In 1880, the tower was repurposed and had a large water tank installed inside to serve the growing town. This unexpected change shows how medieval military architecture was adapted for a completely different purpose.
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