The Dungeon of Niort watches over the Marais poitevin

08 June 2019

It’s the iconic building of the city of Niort. The Dungeon is nowadays the last witness of the fortified edification that once protected the capital city of Deux-Sèvres from the Norman invasions. Since then, it has lost its military role and is now the host of the Museum of the Dungeon which offers visitors ethnographic and archaeologic collections.

The Dungeon of Niort, a military structure built by Henry II and Alienor of Aquitaine

Niort Dungeon

To introduce the building, well known by every inhabitant of Niort, we need a small flashback. Indeed, it’s the last visible part of a fortified edification which included a 2,700-meter wall surrounding the medieval town of Niort. Built in the late 12^th century, the Dungeon was a request from Henry II of England, Count of Anjou then King of England and spouse of Alienor of Aquitaine, to protect the commercial activity and strategic location of Niort. Completed by their sons, Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland, it had only military purposes. Designed for medium-range artillery, it was a stronghold which was used as a residence for the captains, then for a governor. Damaged during the French Wars of Religion, the structure was repaired to host barracks, then a State prison. Abandoned at the break of the French Revolution, it was acquired by the city of Niort in 1791, then once again restored to host in 1896 one of the first French museum of ethnography. Classified as a Historical Monument in 1840 and labelled “Musée de France”, it remains today a place of conservation and transmission of the local heritage.

1,000 years of history at the doorsteps of the Marais poitevin

The Museum of the Niort Dungeon goes back to this rich local history and hosts ethnographical and archaeological collections. You can observe reconstructions of typical interiors from Niort area in the 19^th century. The elevated bed, an iconic furniture of the Poitevin Marsh and its wet soil, is a must-see. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, you discover an archaeological heritage as rich as it is unsuspected. The history of the Dungeon is worth a visit. You can thus discover its massive rooms and spiral stairs, so tight that the visit is organised so that visitors don’t come across. As the cornerstone of the visit, the terrace, available year-round except on rainy days, offers a unique panorama of the city. At more than 28 meters high, the view of Saint-André Hill is unobstructed. You can even guess the green areas of the Marais poitevin and its canals, a great place for a boat ride.

Hall of the Dungeon Museum

A museum for the entire family

Open year round, the museum tends to be didactic with a computer-rendered film on the building, a model of the medieval town or numerous explanatory boards. The museum also organises events to gather young and old and discover this place. “Family Days” or “Holidays in the Dungeon”, as well as family kits are all special attentions to discover the Niort Dungeon while having fun.

You can buy a combined ticket “visit of the Dungeon / Bernard d’Agesci Museum”, do not hesitate to get information at the reception of both sites!

Discover the Museum of the Dungeon’s website.