It was not included in the original plans, but as the terrace of the Tour de Navarre had been raised to better protect the south of the town, its construction had become essential. In fact, the terrace of the Tour de Navarre was no longer accessible from the parapet walk. It was therefore impossible to mount heavy artillery there. The solution adopted by the architects was to equip the Orval tower with a ramp spiralling up to the terrace.
Used by the men and horses that moved the artillery pieces, the shape of the vault is remarkable.
The mastery of 16th-century architecture made it possible to alternate 3 and 4 cross vaults. This juxtaposition of triangles and trapezoids enabled the builders to cover a spiral ramp.
The rooms inside include a casemate to the right of the entrance, used to defend access to the rooms. Nearby, a postern, now blocked, provided access to the moat. The well on the left reaches the water table 20 metres below the tower.
The ascent is adorned with sculpted decorations: the arches at the end of the arches depict symbolic figures such as an acrobat or devils. A date (26 February 1517) and animals such as an owl, a bear and a bat complete the decorative programme, which is full of verve and humour.
The chamber halfway up the tower controlled the opening of the portcullis that closed the postern. Here, the keystones at the crossing of the ogives bear the arms of the town, the Governor of Champagne and the King.
At the top of the ramp, on the right, a staircase leads to the terrace of the Tour d'Orval, and on the left, a fire casemate is built into the wall. Opposite, the covered terrace of the Navarre tower welcomes you.
Tour d'Orval
