The Chain Tower
Native name
French: La tour de la Chaîne
The chain Tower
LocationLa Rochelle, France
Nearest cityLa Rochelle
Coordinates46°09′21″N 01°09′25″W / 46.15583°N 1.15694°W / 46.15583; -1.15694
Height138 feet (42 m)
Original useGateway to the Old Port of La Rochelle
Architectural style(s)Medieval
Governing bodyBuilding managed by the CMN (Center des Monuments Nationaux)
OwnerGovernment
Websitela-rochelle.monuments-nationaux.fr

The Chain Tower (1384) (French:La tour de la Chaîne) along with the Lantern tower and the Saint Nicolas Tower, is one of the three medieval towers guarding the port in La Rochelle, France. It is called the Chain tower because an actual chain was stretched across the port entrance from this building. In 1879 the French government classified it as a Monument historique (MH).[1]

History

This tower along with the Saint Nicolas Tower stood at the entryway to the Port of La Rochelle. This tower got its name because, at various points in history, a chain was stretched between the two structures to prevent ships from passing through. Throughout history the building was also used to store gunpowder.[2] The tower has not changed much since the 14th century.[3]

See also

The entrance of the Old Port of La Rochelle The Chain Tower on the left, Saint Nicolas Tower on the right.

References

  1. ↑ Base Mérimée: The Chain Tower, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)
  2. ↑ "The Chain Tower (La tour de la Chaîne)". poitou-charentes-vendee.com. Poitou Charentes Vendee. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  3. ↑ "The Chain Tower". frenchmoments.eu. French Moments Ltd. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
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