Tours de Chignin, Medieval towers in Chignin, France.
Tours de Chignin consists of four stone towers standing on a hilltop at the crossroads where the Chambéry, Combe de Savoie, and Grésivaudan valleys meet in eastern France. The towers sit in a hilly terrain with wide views across the surrounding landscapes and mountain valleys.
Built in the 13th century, these towers arose after the lordship of Chignin was divided among several heirs, each establishing their own fortress. This period of division created what became a complex fortified settlement.
The Tower of Biguerne was converted into a chapel in 1877 to honor Saint Anthelm, born at Chignin Castle in the 12th century. This transformation reflects how local religious devotion shaped the site's meaning over the centuries.
The site is accessible year-round, reached by marked paths from the village of Chignin below. The hilltop location requires some walking, so comfortable footwear is advisable.
The original fortification once held seven to ten towers spread across about five hectares, making it one of the largest medieval fortified sites in Savoie. Today only four towers remain standing, a stark reminder of how much has been lost over the centuries.
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