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Origin and history

The fortress of Saint-Germain, also known as the Tour de Gy, is an ancient fortified house built between the 14th and 15th centuries. It was the centre of the seigneury of Gy and stands in the commune of Ambérieu-en-Bugey, in the department of Ain. This monument illustrates the late medieval military architecture, typical of the strong houses of Bugey, designed to ensure both defence and seigneurial residence. Its inscription in the historic monuments in 1984 shows its heritage importance, despite its state of partial ruin since 1595.

Around 1440, the fief and his strong house belonged to Guillaume de Bolomier, lord of Poncin and vice-chancellor of Savoie, before being confiscated by the Duke of Savoie. The latter infeod André de Chevron Villette, whose heirs then gave him to Lucinge's family. In 1627 Jean-François de Lucinge, squire and seigneur of Gy, received the property during his marriage with Renée-Isabeau de Rovorée, while reserving the noble annuities to his heirs. The strong house remained in this family until the end of the 17th century, before passing into the hands of François de Suduyrand, then Jacques Estienne in 1731.

The fort house was ruined in 1595, probably in the context of the religious wars in the region. In the 18th century, it belonged to the Dujast family, marking the end of its seigneurial role. Its history reflects the political and social changes of Bugey, between Savoyard power, family alliances and the decline of local aristocracy. Historical sources, such as Samuel Guichenon's (1650) work, attest to his anchoring in regional heritage.

The building is located on a hillside of Ambérieu-en-Bugey, a strategic location to monitor the surroundings. Its architecture, although partially destroyed, preserves traces of its defensive and residential past. The Tour de Gy thus embodies the legacy of the strong houses of Bugey, witness to feudal rivalries and territorial transformations between Savoy and France. Its designation as historic monuments in 1984 aims to preserve this fragile heritage, linked to the military and seigneurial history of Ain.

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