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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Cardinalis Tower, also known as the Clock Tower, is an iconic bell tower of Barcelonnette, built between the 1st quarter of the 14th century and the 1st half of the 15th century. High 42 meters, this square stone tower is surmounted by a tuff pyramid and framed by four pyramidions. It was erected as a bell tower of the Dominican convent, founded thanks to a legacy of Hugues de Saint-Cher, Dominican cardinal who died in 1263, and with the support of Raimond III de Medullion, archbishop of Embrun.

The tower, opened with geminied bays, suffered damage during the early 17th century wars, requiring rapid reconstruction. Its lower stone trim dates back to the 19th century. Ranked a historic monument in 1907, it has gargoyles at its angles and remains a symbol of the region's religious and architectural heritage. His name pays tribute to his indirect sponsor, Cardinal Hugues de Saint-Cher.

Place Mannel (or 3 rue Manuel) in Barcelonnette, the tower belongs to the municipality. Its history reflects the links between religious power and medieval architecture in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, as well as the successive restorations to preserve this heritage. The tower is today a major visual landmark of the city, testifying to its Dominican past and its role in local history.

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