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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The belfry of Amiens, nicknamed "Ch' Bédouf" in picard, finds its origins in the establishment of the commune of Amiens in 1113, recognized by King Louis VI the Gros and Bishop Geoffroy. This monument symbolized municipal independence and was first mentioned in an arbitral award in 1244. Its initial construction followed the destruction of the Roman fortress Castillon, after a two-year siege (1115-1117) led by Louis VI.

Reconstructed at the beginning of the 15th century (1406-1410), the belfry served as a meeting place for notables, archives, weapons store and prison. A watchman was monitoring the area to warn of dangers. He was next to the Halles and the Town Hall, ringing every hour. Fire victim in 1562 and 1742, it was restored from 1749 by architect Beffara, adopting a baroque style with an 11-ton bell, "Marie-Firmine", melted in 1748.

During World War II, a bombardment in 1940 destroyed its roof and frame, breaking the bell. Abandoned until 1988, it was restored between 1988 and 1990: a new structure was built, and a renown was restored in 1990. Inside, there are still dungeons with graffiti and the debris of "Marie-Firmine". Joined the Historic Monuments in 1926 and ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, it embodies Amiens' communal history.

During its restoration, a stone tailor carved the effigies of mayors René Lamps (1988-1989) and Gilles de Robien (1989-1990) on the mouldings of the door. These two publishers led Amiens for almost four decades, marking the recent history of the monument.

The belfry, owned by the municipality, is an architectural testimony combining medieval and Baroque styles. Its white stone base (15th century) contrasts with the openwork bell tower and the 18th century arrow. It is 52 metres high, dominates the Place au Fil and remains an emblem of the city, ranked among the belfries of Belgium and France by UNESCO.

Future

It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

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