Construction of the tower 1437 (≈ 1437)
Replacement of a Gallo-Roman tower, integration with ramparts.
1444 et 1552
Metz seats
Metz seats 1444 et 1552 (≈ 1552)
Traces of balls visible on the tower.
1732
Developments of Cormontaigne
Developments of Cormontaigne 1732 (≈ 1732)
Preservation despite military obsolescence.
1903
Partial infringement
Partial infringement 1903 (≈ 1903)
Roofing for Foch Avenue.
31 décembre 1929
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 31 décembre 1929 (≈ 1929)
Official protection of the vestige.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Jacob de Castel dit 'Camoufle' - Bombardier Messin
Give the tower its nickname.
Henry de Busdorff - Military architect
Extension of the German gate.
Cormontaigne - Military engineer
The rampart was built in 1732.
Origin and history
The Camoufle Tower is a vestige of the medieval walls of Metz, Moselle, built in 1437 to reinforce the city's seven kilometres of fortifications. It replaces an old Gallo-Roman tower and was originally named Tour du Champ in Panne. Equipped with artillery pieces, it defends the corner between the Serpenois gate and the Saint-Thiébault gate. His nickname comes from Jacob de Castel, a 15th century Messin bomber, known for his skill to the point of being accused of a diabolical pact. The traces of balls visible on its walls bear witness to the seats of 1444 and 1552, especially during the confrontation with Charles Quint.
In the 18th century, the tower lost its military utility in the face of the progress of artillery, but it was preserved during the construction of the Saint-Thiébault wall by Cormontaigne in 1732. In 1903, the urban works of the imperial district of Metz, including the creation of Avenue Foch, led to the embankment of the ramparts ditch, partially burying the tower. Despite this, it remains as one of the few testimonies of the medieval fortifications of the city. It has been listed as historical monuments since December 31, 1929.
The construction of the tower takes place in a Lorrain context marked by frequent conflicts between lords of the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th and 15th centuries. Metz, a strategic city, sees his dukes, bishops and neighboring Counts join or oppose to control the region. Walls, such as the Camoufle Tower, symbolize this period of feudal tensions and military innovations, where artillery is beginning to redefine defence strategies.
