Construction of dungeon fin XIIe siècle (≈ 1295)
Ovoid dungeon erected as defensive post.
XVIIe siècle
Adding a home
Adding a home XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Construction of commons and houses.
26 février 1996
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 26 février 1996 (≈ 1996)
Official protection by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Donjon (AC 270): Order of 26 February 1996
Key figures
Comtes d'Auxerre-Nevers - Local Lords
Dungeon owners and users.
Origin and history
The dungeon of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, built at the end of the 12th century, is a typical example of medieval military architecture. It was ovoid in shape and was used as an observation and defence post by the Counts of Auxerre-Nevers. Its exact role remains partially unknown: it could have been an isolated element or integrated into a larger fortified whole.
Ranked historic monument by order of 26 February 1996, the dungeon underwent subsequent modifications. In the 17th century, a house and commons were added, now home to a museum dedicated to writer Colette. The structure is now owned by the commune of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, in the department of l'Yonne.
Available sources, including the Merimée and Monumentum bases, highlight its heritage importance. Although its precise location is estimated as "passable" (level 5/10), the dungeon remains a major architectural testimony of medieval Burgundy. Its current condition allows visits, although details of its accessibility (opening, renting) are not specified in the sources consulted.
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