Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Clock Tower, also known as the Neuve Tower, is an ancient fortified gate integrated with the medieval ramparts of Seletat. Built around 1280, it was part of the city's second defensive enclosure. Its base, dating from the 4th quarter of the 13th century, bears witness to its initial role in urban protection. The structure reflects the typical military architecture of this period in Alsace, marked by frequent regional conflicts and the need to secure commercial cities.

In the 17th century, in 1614, the tower was raised with the addition of a balcony and scauguettes, changing its appearance to adapt to the new functions or aesthetic tastes of the time. These defensive elements, although less useful in the development of firearms, retained symbolic value. After a fire in 1891, the roofs and the lantern were completely redone, giving the tower its present appearance. These restorations of the 4th quarter of the 19th century illustrate the desire to preserve a medieval heritage in a context of increasing industrialization.

Ranked a historic monument since 1929, the Clock Tower today embodies Séletat's rich past. Its official inscription underlines its architectural and historical importance, while allowing its conservation for future generations. Located on Rue des Chevaliers, it remains a landmark in the urban landscape, recalling the time when the ramparts delineated and protected the city. The communal property now manages it, between preservation and tourist development.

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