Clock tower
Historic site and monument
Presentation
Date: 1558
Period: Renaissance
Type : Public community architecture
Status : Property of the City of Arles Classified as a Historic Monument (1920)
Period: Renaissance
Type : Public community architecture
Status : Property of the City of Arles Classified as a Historic Monument (1920)
The Horloge Tower may appear to be an integral part of the Town Hall today, but in fact, more than a century separates the construction of the two buildings. It was built in the mid-16th century to replace an earlier tower. At a particularly prosperous time in Arles' history, the consuls wanted the tower to display their power. The tower stands at the heart of the city, next to the town hall and opposite the bell tower of Saint-Trophime cathedral, itself a symbol of religious power. Its architecture is typical of the Renaissance, and largely inspired by Antiquity, which became a source of inspiration and curiosity in the city. The architectural structure of the clock tower and its antique decor imitate the Roman mausoleum of the Antiques at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Entablatures with sculpted friezes, fluted columns and Ionic and Corinthian capitals are particularly refined. Four clocks, only one of which remains, were installed in the upper part of the tower. Inside were several bells (one large and two small), which were rung at important moments in the life of the city, particularly in the event of an alarm. The sophisticated clock mechanism occupied the largest space. A bell tolled the hour. This was recast several times, each time bearing the names of new consuls. Above, the rotunda is topped by the "bronze man", a statue representing the god Mars, another evocation of Antiquity. Laurent Vincent, a founder from Avignon, created it in 1555. It is said to have been made from the bronze of cannons abandoned by Charles V's army during its incursion in 1536. During the French Revolution, the "Bronze Man" was almost dismantled and melted down to make weapons. The consuls wanted to preserve the tower and integrate it into the new town hall. Jules Hardouin Mansart's contributions to the project included the chosen solution.
General information
- Style :
- Renaissance
- Park :
- Park
Services, Tours, Activities and entertainment
- Historical patrimony :
- Historic patrimony
- Tower
- Historical patrimony
FICHE_INFO_SIMPLE_LIBELLE_DESTINATION
Tour de l'horloge
Rue De l'Hôtel de Ville
13200
Arles
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 43.676811
Longitude : 4.627368