Post-seat repairs vers 1568 (≈ 1568)
Work on the enclosure after the wars of Religion.
1591–1592
Construction of masonry ravelins
Construction of masonry ravelins 1591–1592 (≈ 1592)
Wrap up the defenses in front of the gates of Orleans.
2e moitié du XVIIe siècle
Construction of the existing caponière
Construction of the existing caponière 2e moitié du XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
A vaulted work backed by the Tourelles ravelin.
2005
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 2005 (≈ 2005)
Total protection of the caponière (Decree of 23/09).
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The caponnier in full (CW 806): classification by order of 23 September 2005
Key figures
Jeanne d'Arc - Historical figure related to Orléans
Ravelin already existing at its time (15th century).
Origin and history
The Tourelles Caponière, listed as a historic monument in 2005, is a defensive work backed by the ravelin of the same name, itself advanced defence of the fort protecting the bridge of Orleans. This type of structure, called a sparrow in the 15th to 16th centuries and then a caponière in the 19th century, was used to connect external works under protection. The present version, vaulted in cradle and equipped with alternate (vertical/horizontal) murderers, dates from the 2nd half of the 17th century, although a ravelin existed already in the era of JeannedArc (15th century).
The surrounding ditches, which were later filled, preserved the caponière by sinking under a modern hotel, where it served as a cellar. Its architectural features include a tenaile front that removes the blind corners of fire, six vents for powder smoke, and rings for hanging weapons. A side-fire chamber and small-arm murderers testify to its role in the razing defence of the ditch.
The site is part of a context of urban fortifications redesigned after the Wars of Religion (reparations around 1568) and the works of 1591–92, when ravelins were wrapped in masonry. These works, demolished during the construction of a new bridge on the Loire River, remain only through this buried vestige, today privately owned. The double caponnier, with its vaulted room and partially closed access, offers a unique example of the military engineering of Ancien Régime in the Loire Valley.
