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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The belfry of Saou is a historic monument located in the Drôme department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It was built in the 16th century on an old tower forming part of the enclosure of the Saint-Thiers Abbey of Saou. This monument bears witness to medieval defensive architecture, with traces of murderers visible on its southern facade.

The belfry houses a mechanical clock and a sundial, characteristic elements of public buildings of that time. It was listed as a Historic Monument by order of 17 July 1926, stressing its heritage importance. Today, it remains a symbol of local history and the monastic heritage of the region.

The belfry, in modern times, played a central role in the life of the communes. They served not only to speed up the day with their bells, but also to affirm the autonomy and prosperity of cities or villages. In the context of Drôme, a region marked by a monastic and agricultural history, these structures were often linked to abbeys or local power centres.

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