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Origin and history

The Clock Tower is located in the Fort district of Cardaillac, in the Lot department. This area corresponds to the old castrum of the Cardaillac family, protected by a triangular enclosure including two other towers: the tower of Sagnes and the tower of Marquèze (destroyed in 1816). The current tower, built at the beginning of the 13th century, was originally called the Baron's Tower, with reference to its founders. It was listed as a historic monument in 1991.

The tower, with a quadrangular section (8.15 m side), is constructed of local siliceous sandstone. Its full base and raised door (3.20 m) reflect medieval defensive techniques. It once housed four levels, including two vaults. Between 2009 and 2015, renovations (masonry, water out) were carried out for €271,000, including the replacement of vaults.

Its current name comes from the municipal clock installed on its platform before the Second World War. The nearby Sagnes Tower was also restored during the same works. These elements illustrate the strategic importance of the site, linked to the feudal history of the region and its defensive architectural heritage.

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