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Origin and history

Dun-sur-Auron Castle, nicknamed "La Salle-le-Roi" or "Royal Palace", is built in the heart of the city of the same name, in the department of Cher. Its construction began in the 1st quarter of the 13th century, with the erection of the Clock Gate (often confused with a dungeon), which served as the main access to the second fortified enclosure of the city. This gate, square and flanked by turrets, is inspired by the Bourges dungeon (1190) and marks a strengthening of the defences of Châtel Vieil, a protected medieval district.

In the 14th century, an extension was built east of the enclosure, depriving the door of its defensive function but retaining its role as a belfry. Major works took place in the 15th century, including the restoration of the structure and the addition of a helical staircase. In 1856, the roof was completely rebuilt. The castle, originally owned by the Viscounts of Dun in the 11th century, was bought by Philippe I around 1100, then completely renovated under Philippe Auguste (1202–1203) with courtines, towers and a dungeon. After a sacking in 1430, it was rebuilt and transformed into a prison and a court in the 17th to 19th centuries.

The Clock Gate, classified as a Historic Monument in 1913, is the most emblematic vestige of the site. Its square architecture, inspired by the Philippian dungeons (Louvre, Bourges), makes it a witness to 13th century military innovations. The surrounding ditches, filled in the 15th century, were built on boulevards in the 19th century. Today, the castle houses a museum and is located on three central squares: Place de la Halle, Place du Châtelet and Boulevard du Midi.

Dun-sur-Auron, strategic from the Iron Age, became a stronghold of the Capetian royal estate in the Middle Ages. A town bordering Bourbonnais, it is the 3rd agglomeration of Berry after Bourges and Issoudun. Via romana (Bourges–Lugdunum) crosses its territory during the Gallo-Roman era, highlighting its role as a historical crossroads. The circular fortifications, typical of the region, reflect its defensive importance.

In the 11th century, the castle was the residence of the Viscounts of Dun, before being integrated into the royal domain. Philippe Auguste modernized the defences in 1202–1203 to meet the needs of territorial control. Partial destructions (turns shot down in 1700, door Bass in 1786) and reassignments (prison, court) illustrate its functional evolution. Today only the door of the Clock and the remains of courtesies remain, witnesses to its military and judicial past.

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