Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Royal Castle of Senlis came into being in the Merovingian era, although its current remains date mainly from the reconstruction undertaken by Louis VI (Louis le Gros) around 1130. The site, already mentioned as a Carolingian palace, was the scene of major events, including the accidental death of Louis V in 987, triggering the election of Hugues Capet as king of the Franks. The castle served as a royal residence until the 16th century, before falling into ruins and being partially demolished in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its remains, backed by Gallo-Roman enclosure, include a 10th century tower, a 13th century fortified gate, and fragments of the royal chapel Saint-Denis, consecrated in 1142.

The Priory Saint-Maurice, founded by Saint Louis between 1262 and 1264, was built to house relics of Saint Maurice and his companions, received in exchange for thorns of the Holy Crown. His chapel, inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle of Paris, welcomed such gruesome ceremonies as the inauguration in 1264 in the presence of the king. The priory, originally occupied by twelve canons, declined in the 18th century and was abolished in 1768. Its remaining buildings, including the prior's house (18th century) and the dormitory of the monks (12th to 16th centuries), were preserved and integrated into the municipal heritage after their acquisition by the city of Senlis in 1956.

The ruins of the castle and the priory, located on the same park estate, illustrate almost a thousand years of royal and religious history. The site, classified as a historical monument since 1862 and protected in 1948, now houses the Vénerie Museum in the former residence of the prior. Archaeological excavations, although partially lost, revealed key elements such as the 10th century square tower, crapped in the 17th century, or the Gothic arcades of the royal chapel. The ensemble, accessible for free (except Tuesday), offers a rare testimony of medieval palatial architecture and its evolution.

Among the notable events, the treaty of Senlis (1183) and the wedding of Philippe Auguste with Isabelle de Hainaut (1184) were probably signed at the castle. Charles V set up an oratory in Tower No. 28 of the Gallo-Roman enclosure in the 14th century. The decline of the castle accelerated after the 16th century, with the partial collapse of its structures in 1780 and massive demolitions in the 19th century. The priory, for his part, underwent several reforms, including his attachment to genovéfains in 1643, before its definitive abolition in 1768. The relics of Saint Maurice, originally preserved in the royal chapel, were transferred to the priory before disappearing after the Revolution.

The architecture of the ruins reveals a superimposition of styles, from Gallo-Roman foundations to Gothic and neo-Gothic additions. The "marechal hall", the palace's hall, was distinguished by its decorative arcades, while the dormitory of the monks of the priory preserves a 16th century keg frame. The house of the prior, of classic style sober, contrasts with the austerity of the building of the monks, whose capitular room and library have partially survived. The site, now owned by the city, is a place of memory and culture, welcoming exhibitions and heritage days.

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