Buildings and historical heritage
Discover the buildings and historic hertage of Issoudun and its surroundings. By walking in the city, you can admire the emblematic places.Découvrez les monuments et le patrimoine historique d'Issoudun et ses alentours. En vous promenant dans la ville, vous pourrez admirer des lieux emblématiques.
La maison d'Issoudun et du Berry (The house of Issoudun and of the Berry)
A historic treasure of one and thousand lives
Dive into the fascinating history of our tourist office, a house from the 15th century, marked as a historic monument. This old building with half timbering has known many lives : wrought, armory, locksmith, hardware store, before becoming the heart of the welcoming tourist office of the city.
By looking up, you will discover the unique weathervane that adorns our office: le soldat Beaujon. This little napoleonian soldier, was installed in 1816 by a rich merchant of Issoudun. Its destiny was eventfull : stolen in 2008, found by the cops in 2009, sold than bought by the city in 2010. After a public consultation it was decided to install it on the house of Issoudun and of the Berry where he watch from now on the city.
Come and discover this place full of history and let you tell its tales of its one and thousand lives.
Place Saint-Cyr , 36100 Issoudun
La Tour Blanche :
Gardienne Séculaire d'Issoudun
La Tour Blanche, medieval jewel and oldest building in Issoudun, tells a rich and complex story. Built at the request of Richard the Lionheart from 1195 to 1202, it stands majestically, witness of a time where Issoudun was at the border from the english territories following the wedding of d'Aliénor d'Aquitaine avec Henri Plantagenêt. After the death of Richard in 1999, the king of France Phillipe Auguste takes over the city and finishes the building of the tower in 1202, adding Issoudun to the royal domain.
You can visit the Tour Blanche from April to September ( tickets sold at the tourist office) and dive into the secrets of this emblematic monument of Issoudun, where each stones whispers the past and each visitor becomes a witness of history.Visitez la Tour Blanche d'avril à septembre (billetterie à l'Office de Tourisme) et plongez dans les secrets de ce monument emblématique d'Issoudun, où chaque pierre murmure le passé et chaque visiteur devient témoin de l'Histoire.
3 Impasse de la Tour Blanche, 36100 Issoudun
Musée de l'Hospice Saint-Roch
Build in the XIIth century by the chapter of Saint-Cyr, the old Hôtel-Dieu of Issoudun originally opened his door for accomodation to numerous pilgrims and beggars of that time. In response to the theological vertu of charity, this building impersonnated God's love for the next by taking care of the most dis-advantaged.
Today, by visiting the old Hôtel-Dieu, you will dive into a rich history of solidarity and devotion, where each stones witness centuries of help given to the most vulnerable.
23 Rue de l'Hospice Saint-Roch, 36100 Issoudun
L'Eglise Saint-Cyr
A Historic Jewel of Art in Issoudun
Saint-Cyr's church, only survivor of the old churches in Issoudun, is a precious witness of local history. Built between 800 and 860, according to Charlemagne's legend, she went under many destruction, like in 1356 dure the 100 year's War.
The inside shelters art works, like the Descente de Croix de Jean Boucher (1625), located on top of the entry door.
51 Rue de la République, 36100 Issoudun
Les Arbres de Jessée au musée
An unique Treasure
L'Hospice Saint-Roch's museum have a unique treasure in Europe, classed as Monument Historique since 1908 : two beautiful murale sculpture representing l'Arbre de Jessé. They are both positioned next to the canopies of the Crucifixion of the Chapel Saint-Roch of the old hospital.
They are to represent l'Arbre de Jessé which illustrate both family tree of the Christ, spiritually and historically, inspired by a prophecy from Isaïe (11,1).
23 Rue de l'Hospice Saint-Roch, 36100 Issoudun
La Tour de l'Horloge (The Clock Tower)
Dive into the history of the beffroi of Issoudun
The Beffroi of Issoudun, with its two majesteous round tower, is way more than a simple fortified door. Built in the XIIth century, it assured the connection between the Castle and the city through its seven imposant doors.
Today, the Beffroi stays as a strong symbol of the city. It dominates the main place and rythm the daily life with its clock, dearly named "L'Grous" in local language. The bell "Bonne Aventure" rings the hours and half hours, perpetueting a secular tradition.
Come to admire this witness of the past and let you guide by its fascinating history.
6 bis Place du 10 juin 1944, 36100 Issoudun
The Basilique of the Sacré-Cœur
A city with deep spiritual routes
Issoudun, with its many religious buildings and its rich history, offers a fascinating dive in its spiritual past. By walking in the city and visiting the Basilique of the Sacré-Coeur , you will discover an essential part of the religious legacy of Issoudun, a living witness of faith and devotion which marked the city through centuries.
Don't miss this unique exploration of the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, where each details tells a story of passion and spirituality, enriching your visit of unforgatable memories.
