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Origin and history

The Château de Prény, located in the commune of Meurthe-et-Moselle, is a former castle with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Built on land in the Abbey of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnais, it became the principal residence of the Dukes of Lorraine before their installation in Nancy in 1298. This fortress, called a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, was renowned for its sophisticated defences, including ditches, towers and underground. She played a key role in the conflicts between the Dukes of Lorraine, the Bishops of Metz and the Counts of Bar.

In the 12th century, the castle was besieged on several occasions, notably by Étienne de Bar in 1162 and Thiebaut I de Bar in 1207, which partially destroyed it. Reconstructed, he victoriously resisted many seats, such as that of Thiebaut II of Bar in 1262. In the 15th century, after the unification of the Duchys of Bar and Lorraine under René I of Anjou, its strategic importance declined. Despite this, he was occupied several times, notably by Burgundy garrisons in 1437 and 1474, before being dismantled in 1636 by order of Richelieu to prevent his use by the Lorrain forces.

Ranked a historic monument in 1862, the castle was partially destroyed during the 1918 fighting between German and American armies. Restorations were undertaken in 1937-1938 to consolidate its remains. The site, symbolizing the sovereignty of the Dukes of Lorraine, includes remarkable elements such as the 70-metre-high Mandeguerre Tower and a medieval arsenal including cannons and arquebuses. Its interiors preserve medieval arrangements, with fireplaces from the 14th to 15th centuries and underground.

The castle extended over nearly three hectares, protected by ditches, towers (such as the Hell Tower or the Tower of the Arms Store) and ramparts. Its defensive system, designed to withstand seats, included wells, cellars and attices for extended range. Despite the appearance of artillery, no army managed to take it by force before it was dismantled. Today, its ruins and guard corps, inscribed in 2001, bear witness to its glorious past.

The war cry of the Dukes of Lorraine, "Priny!" was launched by their armies, as mentioned in the Tournament of Chauvency in 1285. The castle, sold as a national property in 1797, passed into private hands before being partially preserved. Its history reflects the power struggles in medieval Lorraine and its role as the last fortress against the bishops of Metz.

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