Standing tall in the heart of Huriel, France, Donjon de la Toque is the last relic of the Château d'Huriel. Constructed between the end of the 11th century and the end of the 12th century by the Humbaud, it is a typical example of a Roman donjon with a rectangular plan and five levels. The donjon, measuring 33 meters in height, was built with granite from Jarges. It once had a movable bridge to serve a door placed very high up, but only two of the four round towers remain today.
The donjon underwent various changes over the centuries. The hourds of the two highest levels disappeared during the 15th and 16th centuries, when large windows were opened and fireplaces were installed to improve comfort. In 1375, Jean de Brosse, maréchal de France, was born at the château d'Huriel. In 1478, Jean II de Brosse sold Huriel to Jean de Bourgogne, comte de Nevers.
Today, Donjon de la Toque houses a museum presenting the history of the lords of Huriel and the vineyard history of the city. The donjon and its enclosure were classified as Monuments historiques by a decree on December 28, 1886.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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