Tour de Montmart, Fortified tower in Besançon, France.
Tour de Montmart is a fortified tower in Besançon built with a trapezoidal base and thick stone walls topped by a four-sided roof with flat tiles. The structure displays robust military construction methods with solid walls designed for defensive strength.
The tower was built in 1526 as part of the defense system at Porte Battant gate. During Vauban's military reorganization of the city, it was converted to serve as a powder storage facility.
The tower takes its name from the Montmart family, a prominent local lineage in the Besançon region. Visitors can observe how it stands as part of the broader fortified complex that shaped the city's defensive character.
The tower sits at rue des fusillés de la Citadelle and forms part of the Citadel complex, allowing access from the main fortified grounds. Wear comfortable shoes since the citadel grounds are hilly and involve climbing stairs to reach elevated sections.
Half of the tower's facades remain blanketed in climbing ivy while the other half displays exposed stone walls. This striking contrast between vegetation and masonry creates a memorable visual detail during visits.
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