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Origin and history

The Château du Mans was a fortified tower built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, after his conquest of Maine. Located outside the Gallo-Roman enclosure, near Saint-Julien Cathedral, this tower, known as Grosse Tour or Orbrindelle Tower, was erected to assert its power over a population reputedly disputed. It was also used to protect the northern entrance of the city, vulnerable to attacks. The tower, a Norman model, became a key element of local medieval conflicts and was integrated into a cut-off camp, Mount Barbet, until 1138.

The Big Tower, preserved as a prison, was connected to the Comtal Palace by drawbridges (three in 1475). The defensive system of the castle, including a fortified gate, was completed around 1425 during the siege of the city. The fortifications, well maintained until the 16th century, were demolished in 1617 by order of the Count of Auvergne. Materials were reused to build religious buildings, such as the Hôtel-Dieu de Coëffort, or sold to finance the city. Today, the Castle Square recalls its historic location.

Architecturally, the castle included a five-storey square dungeon, crowned with mâchicoulis. Its remains, protected since 1930 (donjon) and 1945 (tours and courtines), testify to its strategic importance. The tower, leaning on the decrepit Roman wall, symbolized Norman domination and repression of local revolts. His role declined with the end of the Middle Ages, marking the transition to a less confrontational era for Le Mans.

The destruction of the castle in the 17th century reflects the political and urban changes of the period. The stones, scattered throughout the city, were reused in public or religious buildings, gradually erasing its physical trace. Despite its disappearance, the site remains a historical marker, linked to the evolution of episcopal and Comtal power in the region. The present, preserved square perpetuates the memory of this emblematic medieval Mans building.

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