Tour des Prisons

You’re now standing before one of the towers that once formed part of the fortified walls around Saint-Germain Abbey. Construction of these medieval walls began in 1148, and they were connected to the city’s walls twenty years later. They served a major defensive purpose, protecting the city from invasions, and they had other functions too. For example, a windmill was installed here at the end of the 14th century, and there was also a prison, where prisoners would often carve inscriptions into the walls. This tower is a true medieval relic, and it’s listed as one of the historic landmarks of Auxerre’s heritage.