Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Royal Castle of Senlis came into being in the Merovingian era, but it was under Louis VI (Louis le Gros) around 1130 that it was completely rebuilt after the demolition of the Carolingian palace. The site, backed by the Gallo-Roman ramparts of the third century, served as a royal residence until the 16th century before falling into ruins. It was the place of the election of Hugues Capet in 987 after the accidental death of Louis V in his walls. The present remains, including a tower of the 10th century and Gothic arcades, date mainly from the reconstruction of the 12th century, although modifications were made under Saint Louis, Charles V and François I. The castle lost its political role after 1551, becoming the seat of the presidial, and was partially demolished in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Priory Saint-Maurice, founded by Louis IX between 1262 and 1264, is built to house relics of Saint Maurice and his companions, offered by the Abbey of Agaune in Valais. The chapel, inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle of Paris according to the chronicles, was inaugurated in 1264 in the presence of the king and many prelates. The priory, initially occupied by twelve Augustine canons, declined as early as the 16th century: reformed several times, it was finally abolished in 1768 for lack of monks. Its buildings, including the residence of the prior (18th century) and the dormitory of the monks (12th to 16th centuries), were partially demolished after the Revolution. Today, the house houses the Vénerie Museum, while the ruins of the castle and the priory form a public park.

Both sets, castle and priory, are geographically and historically linked. The priory, built in the immediate vicinity of the castle, benefits from the income of the royal chapel Saint-Denis (located in the castle) until its abolition. Archaeological excavations, although limited, revealed Gallo-Roman foundations under the 10th century tower and remains of the prioral chapel. The site, classified as a historical monument in 1862 for the castle and registered in 1948 for the entire estate, illustrates the architectural and political evolution of Senlis, from the Merovingians to the Revolution.

Among the notable events, the Treaty of Senlis (1183) and the marriage of Philippe Auguste (1184) are probably signed in the castle. Tower No. 28 of the Gallo-Roman Precinct, transformed into an oratory by Charles V, and the "Marechal Hall", the palace's hall, bear witness to its medieval prestige. The priory, on the other hand, keeps a 15th century carenum frame in its dormitory and a medieval cellar under the house of the prior. These elements, associated with the royal relics, underline the spiritual and symbolic role of the site.

The partial demolition of buildings in the 19th century (especially in 1812 and 1861) altered the integrity of the remains, but the campaigns to protect historic monuments preserved the remaining ruins. The tenth century dungeon, classified in 1995, and the facades of the prior's house (registered in 1987) are today the most protected elements. The park, open to the public, offers free access to the remains, with the exception of the Venery Museum and the dormitory of monks, accessible during Heritage Days.

Future

All the ruins of the royal castle and the priory of Saint-Maurice are located on the same plot, furnished in a park, and accessible for free every day except Tuesday.

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