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Origin and history

The Donjon de Saint-Cassien, located in Angliers in Vienna (New Aquitaine), is a 14th century military building. It dominates the Briande Valley and is part of an architectural complex including farm buildings and a house body. This square dungeon, reinforced by cylindrical foothills and two round round towers, was redesigned in the 15th century. It illustrates the defensive adaptations of the Hundred Years' War, with elements such as a machicolis and protected berries.

Originally, the site belonged to Philippe de Saint-Cassien in the 12th century, then was fortified in the 13th century by Briand de Saint-Cassien to resist English incursions. The present dungeon, built in the 14th century, later belonged to Cardinal Richelieu, who would have changed its structure by removing a corner tower and the staircase. Since 1987, it has been listed as historical monuments, preserving a heritage linked to the feudal and religious history of the region.

Architecturally, the dungeon is distinguished by its double tower, now separated into two separate accesses. The southern part, rectangular in shape, has rounded buttresses, while the north elevation includes a screw staircase serving both sets originally. The soberly carved facades and dardian roofs reflect the defensive and residential styles of the 14th and 15th centuries. The site, included in a square courtyard, thus combines military and agricultural functions, typical of medieval seigneuries.

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