Donjon de Niort

The Donjon de Niort or Chateau de Niort is a medieval citadel within the French city of Niort within the departement of Deux-Sevres. It consists of rectangular towers, linked by way of a 15th-century building and dominates the Sevre Niortaise valley. The two donjons are the simplest ultimate a part of the castle. The citadel was started by means of Henry II Plantagenet and completed through Richard the Lionheart. It turned into defended via a rectangular curtain wall and become damaged throughout the Wars of Religion.

From the 18th century, the fortress served as a jail. At the begin of the 13th century, the townspeople of Niort have been besieged by Poitevin lords from the surrounding region, who blocked the entrances to the city and reduce off provisions. This blockade lasted numerous years and threatened hunger. The castle, with its personal resources of provisions, significantly from the river, have become the sole supplier for the metropolis. In 1224 the castle again to English fingers.

During the year war in progress, Niort was alternately below French and English domination. Finally, inside the 14th century, the city of Niort become securely located underneath the French crown, thanks to Du Guesclin. From the stop of the century, the duc de Berry, brother of Charles V, started restoring the fortress which include enhancements to the residential elements of the preserve. Windows had been built or enlarged to present more light.