Construction of the water tower 1787 (≈ 1787)
Creation to feed the citadel of Le Havre.
1944
Use as shelter
Use as shelter 1944 (≈ 1944)
Refuge during World War II.
20 avril 2016
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 20 avril 2016 (≈ 2016)
Official registration by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church: ranking by list of 1875 - Two underground rooms depending on the abbey: classification by decree of 24 September 1921 - All prior buildings, including the land base of the former cloister (excluding classified parts); Enclosure in its entirety, including known or to be discovered archaeological walls and remains, excluding the current guardian's house (Box MI 48, 49): inscription by order of 12 October 2000
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources don't mention any names.
Origin and history
The Graville Rotunda, located in Le Havre in Normandy, is an ancient water castle built in 1787 to feed the city's citadel. Designed by the fortification engineers, this buried work was to capture the water from Graville's spring via an oric gallery surrounding a central pillar. Although never put into service, its vaulted structure and its cellular niches illustrate the hydraulic construction techniques of the late eighteenth century.
During World War II, in 1944, the site was used as an underground shelter to protect residents from bombing. Its unique architecture, combining a dome vaulted central hall and a circular gallery, makes it a rare example of military industrial heritage. The rotunda is partially located under the Alsace impasse, with a stone entrance still visible.
Listed for historical monuments by order of 20 April 2016, the castle d'eau is now owned by the municipality of Le Havre. Its ranking covers the entire building, including its grip on the public domain. Although his initial vocation was abandoned, his role during the war and his preservation made him a significant witness to local history, mixing technical innovation and collective memory.
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