Construction of the moth XIe siècle (≈ 1150)
Medieval urban fortification built.
XIVe siècle
Maximum extension
Maximum extension XIVe siècle (≈ 1450)
Current fossilized limits.
12 août 1996
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 12 août 1996 (≈ 1996)
Official protection of the mot.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Castral motte, including support wall (see AE 413, 414): by order of 12 August 1996
Origin and history
The castral motte of the Butte Saint-Pierre is an urban medieval fortification built in the 11th century. Located in Sées, Orne, it consists of a earth terre 40 meters in diameter at the base, culminating at nearly nine meters in height. This defensive system was initially completed by ditches and slope, delineating one or more low courses, thus forming a castral ensemble integrated into the city.
At its peak, this set included a dedicated place of worship, St Peter's Church. The current route of the moth seems to reflect the maximum limits of the castral enclave as they existed in the 14th century, reflecting its evolution over the centuries. The structure, including its retaining wall, was classified as historic monuments by order of 12 August 1996, emphasizing its heritage importance.
Available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, confirm its role as medieval urban fortification. Its precise address, the Veneal Saint-Pierre in Sées, as well as its Insee code (61464) and its attachment to the Orne in Normandy, make it a key vestige of Norman defensive architecture. No information is available on its current accessibility or contemporary uses.
