Prefecture of Ardennes - Charleville-Mézières

This magnificent listed building, built from the 16th century onwards and now the prefecture of the Ardennes and headquarters of the departmental council, was first the Palais des Tournelles, residence of the princes of Gonzaga in the 16th century, then the Royal School of Engineers where more than 600 military engineers were trained between 1748 and 1794.

The central pediment , decorated with images of helmets, breastplates and cannons, testifies to the building's military past.
in particular the École Royale du Génie de Mézières.

In 1804, the Palais des Tournelles became a prefecture.

willem vandenameele