Tour de l'Horloge
FortressHidden Treasure
Tour de l'Horloge, located in Dinan (Département 22), is a Renaissance château built in the 16th century. The monument is currently closed to visitors.
Key facts
- Type
- Fort
- Period
- Renaissance (16th century)
- Location
- Dinan, Département 22, Bretagne
- Visit
- Closed to visitors
- GPS
- 48.4532, -2.0435
- Mérimée Reference
- PA00089140
Érigée en 1505 sur ordre d'Anne de Bretagne, la Tour de l'Horloge de Dinan dresse ses 46 mètres de granit breton au cœur de la cité médiévale, symbole ardent de l'autonomie communale bretonne.
History
In the heart of Dinan, one of Brittany's best-preserved medieval towns, the Tour de l'Horloge is an architectural landmark that cannot be ignored. Towering almost 46 metres above the slate roofs, this slender granite silhouette has dominated the town for over five centuries, visible from the winding streets of the old town as well as from the ramparts that still encircle the city. What really sets the Tour de l'Horloge apart is the way it has superimposed its functions over time: at once a communal belfry, a town hall, a symbol of justice and a military observation post, it embodies the political and civic soul of a Breton town at the height of its influence. Unlike the seigniorial keeps that express feudal power, this tower proclaims the pride of a commune jealous of its freedoms. The tour includes a gradual ascent through several levels with varied functions, punctuated by the discovery of the clock mechanism - one of the oldest still in operation in Brittany - before reaching the summit terrace. The panoramic views from here are well worth the effort: the medieval old town, the port of Jerzual below, and on a clear day, the hills of the Rance River on the horizon. The immediate surroundings of the tower are themselves a journey through time. The surrounding Place des Merciers and Rue de l'Horloge have preserved their 15th and 16th century timber-framed houses, creating an urban ensemble of rare coherence. Photographers and history buffs will find plenty of food for thought here, in the golden hour when the Atlantic light warms the grey granite.
Architecture
The Tour de l'Horloge belongs to the late Gothic belfry tradition of north-west France, with inflections specific to Breton architecture of the early 16th century. Built from local granite, the king material of the Armorican peninsula, it is square at the base, tapering slightly towards the top to accentuate the impression of height and verticality. Its silhouette is crowned by an octagonal lantern surmounted by a slender spire, characteristic of the tower belfries of the Breton region, which lends the whole a sober, austere elegance. The main facade is punctuated by mullioned windows on the upper levels, allowing the sound of the bell to be heard and offering uninterrupted views over the town. The clock face, which is clearly visible from the square, is framed by a slight relief that distinguishes this level from the more massive lower courses. Inside, the stone spiral staircase leads to the various floors, which rest on soberly moulded granite corbels. The clock mechanism, the centrepiece of the building, is an exceptional example of modern clockwork. Comprising a system of weights, cogwheels and a balance wheel, it has been maintained and partially restored without losing its original character. The bell, suspended in the bell chamber, is one of the oldest elements still preserved, linking the tower acoustically to its centuries-old history.
Related Figures
Anne de Bretagne — duchesse de Bretagne et reine de France, commanditaire de la tour en 1505Louis XII — roi de France, époux d'Anne de Bretagne, dont le règne coïncide avec la constructionBertrand du Guesclin — connétable de France natif de la région, figure tutélaire de Dinan dont la tour perpétue la mémoire civiqueLes consuls de Dinan — édiles successifs qui tinrent séance dans la tour jusqu'à la RévolutionEugène Viollet-le-Duc — théoricien et inspecteur des Monuments Historiques dont l'action au XIXe siècle prépara la protection de 1910
Tags
Nearby castles
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tour de l'Horloge located?
Tour de l'Horloge is located in Dinan, Département 22 department, Bretagne region, France.
When was Tour de l'Horloge built?
Tour de l'Horloge dates back to a period built during the Renaissance (16th century).
Is Tour de l'Horloge open to visitors?
Tour de l'Horloge is currently closed to visitors.
