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Origin and history

The Tower of the Wolf of Etampes is one of the few remains of the medieval ramparts of the city, built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. These fortifications formed a rectangular enclosure of 3,500 metres, pierced by eight doors, three of which were main (Saint-Jacques, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Martin) and remained open during times of unrest. Today, only the Portereaux, two turrets and a section of courtine remain of this ensemble.

The early enclosure of Etampes-le-Châtel, dating from the 11th century around the castle of Queen Constance, the church of Notre-Dame and the collegiate church of Saint Basile, was probably rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. However, the current fortification program seems to date after 1446, when the city returned under royal control. The parish of Saint-Gilles was then integrated into the enclosure. In the 16th century, works were interrupted twice because of disputes with local owners.

Unprotected, Etamps was taken and looted several times during the Wars of Religion. In 1589 Henry IV ordered the destruction of the fortifications, but the urban enclosure was maintained until the seventeenth century. The ditches were filled in the 18th century to create a walk, and the ramparts were dismantled in the 19th century, replaced by a tax fence. The remaining towers, including the Wolf Tower, were then alienated to the private domain.

The Tower of the Wolf and the remains of the Portereaux have been listed in the Historic Monuments since 10 March 1968. These elements are now owned by the commune of Etampes, and their location is estimated as fair (accuracy note: 5/10).

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