A fortified gate in the medieval walls, listed as a historical monument,
in the centre of the historical town of Semur-en-Auxois
in the centre of the historical town of Semur-en-Auxois
Semur-en-Auxois,
COTE-D'OR
burgundy
21140
FR
Location
Semur-en-Auxois, which in the 18th century was nicknamed ‘little Athens of Burgundy’, is the historical capital of the Auxois area, is protected as a remarkable heritage site and is renowned for its architecture and history. Semur is on the edge of the Morvan regional natural park, is 1 hour from Dijon, 20 minutes from Montbard as well as its high-speed TGV railway station, and is also 10 minutes from the A6 motorway. It boasts all essential shops and services. The town, which stands in a meander of the River Armançon, was a castrum in the early Middle Ages. It went on to become a ducal administrative centre as well as an important economic hub and was fortified several times. However, it is the traces of its medieval urbanisation that still dominate today’s landscape.
Description
Apparaissant dans les sources archivistiques dès 1417, où il est question de travaux effectués sous l'autorité du gouverneur d'alors, Jean de Sauvigny, l'ouvrage constituait l'un des cinq accès au bourg Notre-Dame. Le voyageur d'hier devait, avant d'y accéder, passer par une barbacane, ouvrage de défense avancé. Il en va de même aujourd'hui. Une fois celle-ci passée, ladite porte se découvre, donnant accès au vieux quartier, ses ruelles pavées, ses anciennes devantures de boutiques et ses maisons à colombage, le tout à 5 min à pied de la Collégiale Notre-Dame.
The fortified gate
With its corbelled pepper towers, its hipped roof with two Jacobean dormers, its timber-framed upper level resting on brackets, and its pointed-arch carriage gates, it stands out to passers-by in all its majesty. The dressed stone facade also has the particularity of typical wide grooves where the gaffs of the two drawbridges would have been placed. They indicate the presence of a pedestrian door, which has since been transformed into a window. A moat, which has now been filled in, completed the structure. On the south wall, a door with moulded jambs features an unusual recess-shaped lintel. It houses a statue of the Virgin, on which traces of the original colours can still be seen.
The ground floor
Through the door, a spiral staircase leads to the first floor. A small door on the left leads to the ground floor premises, with a window onto the street. The floor is tiled.
The intermediate level
With tiled floor and exposed beams, it consists of a small room lit by a lancet in a vaulted recess. This appears to be an old, narrow workspace.
The first floor
The two drawbridges were operated in the main room, the guardhouse. The mechanisms have now been removed. It features a stone fireplace and, on the south side, an old window seat, now closed, visible from the corridor. The ceiling has exposed beams and the floor is tiled with cobblestones.
The second floor
The second floor offers two living rooms, one of which has a fireplace with a large straight hood identical to that on the lower floor, and two smaller rooms in the turrets. In order to give the place a more comfortable character, alterations were made at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the reduction of the wooden fireplaces, the addition of large windows and floor paving. The ceilings reveal the beams and the skilful work of the carpenters of the time. The floors are identical to those on the previous floor. A staircase leads to the attic, revealing much more of the talent of the craftsmen of yesteryear thanks to a cathedral roof structure, illuminated by the two Jacobean skylights.
Our opinion
The fortified gate, which is an emblematic building in the medieval town, is waiting for a heritage enthusiast to devote themselves to breathing new life into it, via renovation, restoration or refurbishment.
With its gallery-style passageway, whether as an out-of-the-ordinary apartment or an artist’s studio, among other possibilities, there is much potential in this unique opportunity of continuing, with a personal touch, the work begun by Jean de Sauvigny over 600 years ago. Its closeness to the street and location as a gateway to the old town are clear advantages, if utilised to the best extent. This fortified gate is more than just a simple residence: it could contribute to the flourishing of the local heritage.
Reference 359237
| Land registry surface area | 15 m² |
| Main building floor area | 86 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 1 |
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the website: www.georisques.gouv.fr
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NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.
