Construction begins 1304 (≈ 1304)
Medieval tower erected from this date.
1387
Construction of the fortified enclosure
Construction of the fortified enclosure 1387 (≈ 1387)
Start of work including dungeon.
XVIIe siècle
Continuous housing
Continuous housing XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Donjon occupied as a residence.
1782
Door reconstruction
Door reconstruction 1782 (≈ 1782)
Three doors redone including the bridge.
1983
New owner
New owner 1983 (≈ 1983)
Colette Béchet acquires the dungeon.
14 mars 1991
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 14 mars 1991 (≈ 1991)
Official protection of the dungeon.
2023
Sale
Sale 2023 (≈ 2023)
Donjon proposed for sale.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Colette Béchet - Owner
Acquire dungeon in 1983.
Origin and history
The Donjon de Cravant is a fortified building built in the early 14th century, more precisely from 1304. Located in the heart of the village of Cravant, in the department of Yonne, it embodies a typical example of medieval defensive architecture. This tower, which was used in particular as a prison for Knights of the Order of the Temple, has been inhabited continuously since the seventeenth century.
The fortified enclosure, whose dungeon is one of the few remains with the clock tower, was built from 1387. Three doors were rebuilt at the end of the 18th century: the lower gate (with campanile), the Irancy gate and the Arbault gate. The dungeon, classified as a historic monument in 1991, has known several owners, including Colette Béchet since 1983. It was put on sale in 2023.
The dungeon illustrates the evolution of medieval defensive systems, while at the same time testifying to subsequent architectural transformations. Its classification in 1991 underlines its heritage importance, while its recent sale questions its future. The structure, located at 1 rue du Donjon, remains a symbol of local and regional history.
