Donjon de Vez, Medieval keep in Vez, France
Donjon de Vez is a medieval keep in the village of Vez, in the Oise department of northern France, built in the Gothic style with thick stone walls. It rises to a considerable height and is surrounded by a moat and curtain walls that are still standing today.
The keep was built in the late 14th century under Jean de Vez and completed in the early 15th century. Over the following centuries it changed hands several times before being listed as a historic monument.
The chapel inside the keep contains a crypt where Gallo-Roman sarcophagi are on display. Seeing them there, beneath the medieval walls, makes it easy to sense how long people have been drawn to this spot.
The keep is generally open to visitors from May through October, when contemporary art exhibitions are held inside. It is worth checking current conditions before you go, as opening days can vary from year to year.
From the first floor, protected doorways led directly to the walkways along two curtain walls, letting defenders move between sections of the fortress without crossing the courtyard. This meant that a small number of soldiers could cover several approaches at once.
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