Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The tower of the Bourreau, originally called the Tower of the Daughters because of its use as a prison for women, was built in the middle of the 15th century when the walls of Vannes were extended under the Duke John IV. Built on 14th century foundations, it is part of the second fortified enclosure, designed to protect the city's new southern neighbourhoods. Its current name comes from its later function: it housed the official executioner of Vannes, in charge of public executions.

The tower, with typical Breton machicoulis, illustrates the defensive architecture of the era. It is part of a wider set of fortified fortifications between the 14th and 17th centuries, including bastions and gates such as Calmont or Grégennic. These adjustments reflect the political tensions of the ducal Brittany, marked by the wars of Succession (XIVth century) and religious conflicts (XVIth century). The tower, classified as a historic monument in 1927, is today an emblematic vestige of the valve walls, partially accessible to the public.

The ramparts of Vannes, of which the Bourreau Tower is a key element, underwent major transformations in the 19th and 20th centuries. The partial demolition of the walls (especially north and west) to break new streets motivated the creation in 1911 of the Society of Friends of Vannes, dedicated to the preservation of heritage. Since then, restoration campaigns (such as the one in 2010-2012 for the nearby prison gate) and tourist enhancements (gardens, exhibitions) have preserved this unique testimony of Breton military history.

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