Semur en Auxois Castle

Semur-en-Auxois Castle is located in the same-named French town in the Côte-d'Or region. Although though the castle was constructed more than 700 years ago, it is still worthwhile to see some of the noteworthy locations within the commune. See the spectacular Tour de l'Orle d'Or, which is still over 40 meters high, as well as the Tour de la Prison.

In a bend of the Armançon river, Semur-en-Auxois was established around a rocky ridge. As least as early as the tenth century, the location was already fortified. Robert II, Duke of Burgundy, granted town privileges to the settlement in 1276, making it the seat of the bailiwick of Auxois. Then, Semur-en-Auxois Castle was constructed to take the place of an earlier defense.

It was constructed on the meander's narrowest point, thus enclosing the rest of the ridge. The north tower served as the keep, and it was constructed with a rectangle form and four round corner towers. This keep is roughly 40 meters tall, with a base wall thickness of 5 meters. The style of French military architecture from that era, known as "Philippian" after Philippe Auguste (Philip II of France), a cousin of the Duke, is supposed to have served as an inspiration for its design. "Le Donjon" was the only name given to the castle.

Location: Semur-en-Auxois, Côte-d'Or, France