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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Avallon Clock Tower is a fortified building built in the 3rd quarter of the 15th century (1456) to protect the city weakened by the Hundred Years War. Located at the highest point of Avallon, it was used to alert the inhabitants in case of enemy approach. Its construction, decided by the aldermen, is inspired by similar towers in Auxerre or Saint-Fargeau. An arcade under the building, called Gate de la Boucherie, supports the structure, while a watchman watches it day and night as early as 1460.

The tower, 49 meters high and equipped with a campanile, houses a 230 kg melted bell upon completion. A spiral staircase serves its floors, illuminated by crimson windows. The aldermen held their meetings there until 1772, and one of the rooms preserved original decorative paintings, rediscovered during later restorations. The craftsmen Jehan Berg (mason) and Nicolas Boulevault (carpenter) are explicitly mentioned as actors in its construction.

Threatened by destruction at the end of the 18th century, the tower was saved thanks to the opposition of the Avallnais, led by architect Jacques Nicolas Caristié. Repairs and reconstruction of the arrow occurred only between 1825 and 1835. Ranked a historic monument in 1930, it then houses the Avallon Studies Society (1862–1912), foreshadowing the future local archaeological museum. His coat of arms bears the motto: "Esto nobis, dominating, turris fortitudinis".

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