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16th century tower, located in the Puy d'Ayen district à Eymoutiers en Haute-Vienne

Haute-Vienne

16th century tower, located in the Puy d'Ayen district

    10 Boulevard de la Tour d'Ayen
    87120 Eymoutiers
Tour du XVIe siècle, sise dans le quartier du Puy dAyen
Tour du XVIe siècle, sise dans le quartier du Puy dAyen
Tour du XVIe siècle, sise dans le quartier du Puy dAyen
Crédit photo : Lucas Destrem - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000
XVIe siècle
Construction of the tower
XIXe siècle
Integration into buildings
15 janvier 1929
Registration for historical monuments
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

16th century tower: inscription by decree of 15 January 1929

Key figures

Information non disponible - No names cited in the sources Unidentified sponsors or artisans

Origin and history

The Ayen Tower is a 16th century fortified building located in Eymoutiers, in the Haute-Vienne department (Nouveau-Aquitaine). This three-storey cylindrical turret is built between two 19th-century buildings arranged in squares. It is distinguished by its pyramidal roof, its pilasters adorned bays, and a sculpted shield above the front door. Its architecture combines defensive and decorative elements typical of the Renaissance.

The tower was listed as historic monuments on 15 January 1929 for its heritage value. Its state of conservation and its integration into later buildings illustrate the urban evolution of Eymoutiers. Architectural details, such as the molded stone cord or the cul-de-lampe, testify to the know-how of the artisans of the time.

Depending on the available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum), the tower was probably used as a stairway tower or monitoring point. Its location in the Puy d'Ayen district, today at 8 Boulevard de la Tour d'Ayen, makes it a local historic landmark. No information is available on its sponsors or its precise use in the 16th century.

External links