First mention of fortifications 1252 (≈ 1252)
First text referring to existing ramparts.
vers 1538
Reconstruction of the enclosure
Reconstruction of the enclosure vers 1538 (≈ 1538)
Works under the impulse of Charles-Quint.
24 juillet 1985
Partial registration (northwest tower)
Partial registration (northwest tower) 24 juillet 1985 (≈ 1985)
Protection for historical monuments.
13 décembre 1995
Supplementary registration (southern towers)
Supplementary registration (southern towers) 13 décembre 1995 (≈ 1995)
Extension of heritage protection.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The Northwest Tower, excluding its modern addition (Box AL 423): inscription by order of 24 July 1985. Southwest tower (Box AL 374); façades and roofs of the south tower (cad. AL 303) : entry by order of 13 December 1995
Key figures
Charles-Quint - Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire
Presumably initiator of reconstruction around 1538.
Origin and history
The ramparts of Champlitte constitute a medieval and reborn fortification located in the Haute-Saône department. Their first mention dates back to 1252, but the current enclosure, rectangular in shape and equipped with eight towers, was rebuilt around 1538. This project is part of a context of military tensions, under the impetus of Emperor Charles-Quint, although its exact role in the works remains unclear in the sources.
The building has been partially protected as historical monuments: the north-west tower has been listed since 1985, while the south-west tower and the south tower facades have been listed in 1995. These ramparts, now partially private and communal, bear witness to local defensive strategies between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Their location, rue des Annonciades, still marks the historic route of the city.
The current structure reflects an adaptation to modern military needs, with a wall designed to withstand new siege techniques. Although their state of conservation is not detailed, their presence illustrates the strategic importance of Champlitte, located on roads in Franche-Comté. Available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) highlight their heritage value, without specifying their current accessibility to the public.
