Why is the tower in Bourganeuf called the Zizim tower?

It is named after the Ottoman prince Djem, called Zizim by Western historians, who was held prisoner there by Pierre d'Aubusson from 1482 onward.

What remains of the castle in Bourganeuf?

Three towers and part of the curtain wall survive, remnants of a priory once established by the Knights of Malta.

Is the castle in Bourganeuf a protected monument?

Yes, the remaining structures were listed as a historic monument by decree on 2 June 1911.

How old is the Zizim tower?

It dates from the second half of the 15th century, built to house the captive prince Djem.

Restes du château

Bourganeuf

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Bourganeuf

Restes du château stands in Bourganeuf (Creuse), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: second half of the 15th century). No visits are on record for this building.

In Bourganeuf, in the Creuse department, three towers and a stretch of curtain wall remain from the priory once held by the Knights of Malta. The most notable, the Zizim tower, takes its name from the Ottoman prince Djem, held captive there by Pierre d'Aubusson at the end of the 15th century. Its round shape, seven vaulted levels and walls nearly three metres thick reflect a building designed to hold a high-ranking captive. Objects from Gallo-Roman excavations in the area are displayed inside.

Written from Tour Zizim

What to know

These are the ruins of a castle, not a complete building.
The site has been protected as a historic monument since 1911.
The Zizim tower is visited via a spiral staircase leading through seven floors.
Gallo-Roman archaeological finds from the area are displayed inside the tower.
No pricing, opening hours or accessibility information is given here.

Where this château is

Bourganeuf · Creuse · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Restes du château

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Bourganeuf, Creuse

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00100014
Period of construction: second half of the 15th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Why is the tower in Bourganeuf called the Zizim tower?: It is named after the Ottoman prince Djem, called Zizim by Western historians, who was held prisoner there by Pierre d'Aubusson from 1482 onward.
What remains of the castle in Bourganeuf?: Three towers and part of the curtain wall survive, remnants of a priory once established by the Knights of Malta.
Is the castle in Bourganeuf a protected monument?: Yes, the remaining structures were listed as a historic monument by decree on 2 June 1911.
How old is the Zizim tower?: It dates from the second half of the 15th century, built to house the captive prince Djem.