Tour Tanguy, Medieval tower in downtown Brest, France
Tour Tanguy is a medieval tower standing on a rocky hilltop beside the Penfeld River, distinguished by its thick stone walls and Neo-Gothic decorative details. Inside, it houses a museum dedicated to the city's past.
In 1386 Duke John IV of Brittany besieged the English-held château de Brest and built a wooden bastille at Quilbignon; in 1387 he rebuilt it in stone, and the Tour Tanguy was its master tower among eight. The Du Chastel family, whose arms are carved above the door, gave the tower its name. It served as the lords of Le Châtel's court of justice until about 1580, then fell into ruin until architect Barillé converted it into a dwelling in 1862.
The tower's name comes from the forename Tanguy, borne by members of the Du Chastel family, whose coat of arms is carved above the door. Inside, the painter Jim E. Sévellec created dioramas of Brest from the Middle Ages to the eve of World War II, using salvaged materials such as glue caps, bread crumbs and wooden boards.
The tower is reached from the rue de la Porte via the square Pierre-Péron, at the foot of the pont de Recouvrance. The museum has three floors of exhibits; the top floor opens only for certain events and exhibitions. The interior passages are narrow and steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
The tower's name comes from the Du Chastel family, whose forename Tanguy several members bore; their coat of arms is carved above the door. The tower was long called bastille de Quilbignon before that name took over.
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