Tour de l'Horloge Saint-Martin
A striking 11th-century tower, the sole survivor of Europe's largest basilica, offering a glimpse into Tours' medieval past.
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Must-see attractions
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Tour de l'Horloge Saint-Martin
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking 11th-century tower, the sole survivor of Europe's largest basilica, offering a glimpse into Tours' medieval past.
"An impressive and imposing remnant of what was once the largest basilica in Europe."
Combine with Basilica Visit
Easily visit the tower alongside the modern Basilica St. Martin for a complete historical experience. :world_map:
Read the Info Panels
Take time to read the bilingual panels for fascinating historical context. :pagefacingup:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tower Itself
Adjacent to Basilica St. Martin
An imposing 50-meter tall remnant of a once-grand basilica, showcasing medieval architectural styles.
Historical Information Panels
Base of the tower
Bilingual (French & English) panels detail the tower's rich history and the basilica's former grandeur.
Vestiges of the Old Basilica
Surrounding area
Discover other remnants and learn about the scale of the original basilica, once larger than Notre Dame.
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A Glimpse into History
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Basilica Visit
Easily visit the tower alongside the modern Basilica St. Martin for a complete historical experience. :world_map:
Read the Info Panels
Take time to read the bilingual panels for fascinating historical context. :pagefacingup:
Imagine the Grandeur
Picture the original basilica, once larger than Notre Dame, to appreciate the tower's significance. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Basilica Visit
Easily visit the tower alongside the modern Basilica St. Martin for a complete historical experience. :world_map:
Read the Info Panels
Take time to read the bilingual panels for fascinating historical context. :pagefacingup:
Imagine the Grandeur
Picture the original basilica, once larger than Notre Dame, to appreciate the tower's significance. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the Tour de l'Horloge's historical significance as a remnant of a once-grand basilica, noting its impressive stature and the informative panels. While its solitary presence is poignant, it's considered a worthwhile stop for history buffs exploring Tours.
"Amazing, ancient tower that has been part of the city do long, it was used as a Treasury, mayoral staff building, etc. shows late Romanesque style, with modifications. A Miracle it has made it so long. Wonderful"
pts pts
"We enjoyed seeing this 11th-century medieval Basilica St. Martin vestige which remained after the original church was demolished during the French Revolution. It is 50-metres tall with a Gothic style exterior and makes for a nice complementary visit to the present day Basilica St. Martin.
There is brief history available on an information panel (French & English) next to the structure which is a National Monument and worth a few minutes to view if you plan to include Basilica St. Martin during your sightseeing around Tours."
Brad
"An impressive and imposing remnant of what was once the largest basilica in Europe.
Larger and more majestic than Notre Dame, it's heartbreaking to know it was destroyed and partly intentionally demolished because reconstruction was unsustainable.
This tower is all that remains, along with other remains seen in the photos.
The information panels located nearby explain very well, including photos, what it was like and its various vicissitudes.
A visit is recommended."
Nicola Guidolin
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tour de l'Horloge is located in the heart of Tours, near the modern Basilica St. Martin. It's easily accessible on foot if you are exploring the old town. Public transport options are also available to reach the vicinity of the Basilica.
Parking in the historic center of Tours can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages located a short walk from the site, such as the Vinci Parking Les Halles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Tour de l'Horloge is an external monument and can be viewed freely from the outside. There is no admission fee to see the tower itself. :free:
As an outdoor monument, the Tour de l'Horloge is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better viewing and photography.
The historical information panels located next to the tower are free to read and are available in both French and English.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit to the Tour de l'Horloge itself is quite brief, typically taking around 10-15 minutes to admire the exterior and read the information panels. It's often combined with a visit to the Basilica St. Martin.
The tower exhibits a mix of architectural styles, primarily late Romanesque with later Gothic modifications, reflecting its long history and various construction phases.
Currently, the Tour de l'Horloge is primarily viewed from the exterior. Access to the interior is generally not permitted for visitors.
The tower is a remnant of the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, which was once one of the largest churches in Europe. The tower itself served various functions, including as a treasury and mayoral staff building.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is soft and casts a warm glow on the ancient stone. Daytime offers clear views but can have harsher shadows.
Yes, you can capture the tower from various angles, including shots that incorporate the modern Basilica St. Martin for a contrast between old and new. The surrounding streets also offer charming perspectives.
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A Legacy of Grandeur: The Basilica of Saint Martin
The tower, a surviving vestige, showcases the late Romanesque style with later Gothic modifications, hinting at the grandeur that once was. Visitors can learn about its multifaceted history, which saw it serve as a treasury and a building for mayoral staff, through informative panels located nearby. The sheer scale of the original basilica, even when only glimpsed through historical accounts and remaining fragments, is awe-inspiring.
Understanding the context of the original basilica enriches the experience of visiting the tower. It transforms a simple viewing into an appreciation of a lost architectural marvel and the historical forces that shaped its fate. The nearby modern Basilica St. Martin offers a contemporary spiritual and architectural counterpoint, allowing visitors to reflect on the enduring legacy of Saint Martin in Tours.
Architectural Significance and Historical Context
Its survival through the French Revolution and subsequent periods of demolition is remarkable. The fact that it was designated a National Monument underscores its importance to French heritage. The information panels, available in both French and English, are crucial for visitors to grasp the tower's historical journey, from its origins as part of a vast basilica to its later uses and its status as a solitary sentinel of a bygone era.
For those interested in medieval architecture or the history of religious sites in France, the Tour de l'Horloge offers a tangible connection to the past. It prompts reflection on the impermanence of even the grandest structures and the enduring power of historical remnants to tell stories.
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