Synodal Palace of Sens, Gothic palace next to Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Sens, France
The Synodal Palace of Sens is a Gothic building next to the cathedral in Sens, constructed to serve as an administrative seat for the church. The structure features two stories with large windows and detailed stonework, housing a main hall with high ceilings.
An archbishop began construction around 1220 to host church assemblies and ecclesiastical courts. The work was completed over several decades and became an important seat for religious administration in medieval France.
The underground prison holds scratches and drawings made by captives on its walls, including religious scenes and images of knights. These marks tell the story of people held here who etched their thoughts into the stone.
The palace sits directly beside the cathedral and is easy to locate while exploring the city center. Note that the interior opens for exhibitions at certain times, so it is wise to check local information before visiting.
The cellars beneath the palace have remained unchanged since their creation and still display the original medieval setup. A renowned restorer in the 1800s helped preserve these underground chambers from decay.
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