Tour Philippe le Bon, 15th-century watchtower in Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, France.
Tour Philippe le Bon is a substantial stone structure that rises prominently within the palace courtyard and forms the central focus of the ducal complex. Its thick walls, narrow openings, and crenellated crown reflect its original purpose as a defensive and observational stronghold.
Construction began in the mid-15th century under the direction of Duke Philip the Good as Burgundy asserted its regional dominance. The tower witnessed shifts in political control when the duchy eventually lost its independence and became integrated into the French kingdom.
The tower remains a central landmark that locals pass by regularly when moving through the city center, and its presence shapes how visitors understand Dijon's medieval importance. The surrounding palace courtyard serves as a gathering space where the region's past feels tangible in everyday life.
Access to the interior requires joining a guided tour, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes for climbing the winding staircase. The best viewing conditions occur during midday when sunlight fills the courtyard and provides clear sightlines from the platform above.
During the 15th century, the tower served briefly as a holding place for political prisoners caught in regional conflicts. Today visitors climbing the stairs can spot faint marks and scratches on the inner walls that hint at this darker chapter of the structure's past.
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