Tour de Sassenage: A Medieval Watchtower in Grenoble

The Tour de Sassenage, formerly known as the Tour du Verdaret, is a 22-meter-high medieval watchtower located on Rue du Pont-Saint-Jaime in one of Grenoble's oldest neighborhoods, near the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Constructed in 1268, the tower's base is made of masonry, while the rest of the structure is built from pink bricks, a material also found in other 12th-century buildings in Grenoble, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Évêché. The Tour de Sassenage is a testament to the fragmented nature of seigniorial power in the city during the Middle Ages. These types of towers, with their vénerie status, signified the presence of lords within the city, each capable of monitoring activities and levying taxes. The Tour de Sassenage belonged to the Chaulnais family, one of the most prominent families in Grenoble during the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, the Tour de Sassenage stands as a historical landmark, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine the medieval world of Grenoble. While it may not be open for interior visits, its imposing presence and architectural details offer a tangible connection to the city's rich past.