Château de Selles, Medieval castle in central Cambrai, France.
Château de Selles is a medieval castle with a polygonal structure and six sandstone towers, including a twin tower and two levels of vaulted chambers. The building serves today as a courthouse and also houses exhibits related to its history as a prison.
Built in the 13th century by Bishop Nicolas de Fontaines, the castle controlled the Selles gate and the Escaut River while symbolizing count-bishop authority. From the 14th century onward, it was gradually converted into a prison, remaining important for local justice for centuries.
The prison walls hold engravings left by inmates between the 14th and 18th centuries, documenting their political and religious beliefs. These inscriptions tell personal stories of people who were held captive within these rooms.
The building houses the Cambrai courthouse today, but historical sections can be viewed through the tourist office. It is recommended to plan a visit in advance, as access may vary depending on court activities.
Corridors are built into the wall thickness and form a network of passages connecting different rooms, which helped with the castle's defense strategy. This hidden infrastructure was later cleverly reused to link the prison cells together.
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