Ambleny Tower, locally known as Donjon d'Ambleny, lies next to the church in the center of the village with the same name, west of the city of Soissons in the Aisne department in the Picardy region in France.

Ambleny Castle was built in the mid-12th century by Dreux de Pierrefonds, a local feudal lord. In 1194 it passed to Philippe Auguste.

At the end of the 13th century Ambleny Castle was mentioned in a register of fortifications belonging to the Capetian monarchy. In 1296 Ambleny Castle was sold to the bishopric of Soissoins by Philip IV, King of France.

The castle was destroyed during World War I.

Of this small castle only the present, ca. 20 meters high, keep remains. Its plan resembles that of the keeps of Étampes, Houdan and Clifford's Tower in York, England. It consists of four cylindrical towers connected by short curtain walls. It was originally entered through a door on second floor level and had 3 floors and latrines. Its summit was once crowned with a crenellated parapet.

When I visited there were restoration works carried out. The interior of Ambleny Tower can not be visited. This was a very nice tower to visit and also the church is worth some of your time.

Back to top.