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Saint Nicolas Tower

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Saint Nicolas Tower
Native name
La tour Saint-Nicolas (French)
Saint Nicolas Tower
LocationLa Rochelle, France
Nearest cityLa Rochelle
Coordinates46°09′21″N 01°09′25″W / 46.15583°N 1.15694°W / 46.15583; -1.15694
Height138 feet (42 m)
Original useGateway to the Old Port of La Rochelle
Architectural style(s)Medieval
Governing bodyBuilding managed by the CMN (Center des Monuments Nationaux)
OwnerGovernment
Websitela-rochelle.monuments-nationaux.fr

Saint Nicolas Tower (1384) along with the Lantern tower and the Chain tower, is one of the three medieval towers guarding the port in La Rochelle, France. In 1879 the French government classified it as a Monument historique (MH).[2]

History

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The Saint Nicolas Tower was named after the patron saint of sailors, This tower along with the Chain Tower (La tour de la Chaîne) stood at the entryway to the Port of La Rochelle. At times throughout history a chain was stretched between the two buildings to stop ships from entering. the building was also used as a prison throughout its history.[3] The tower looks as it did in the 1400s.[1]

Night photo: Saint Nicolas Tower left, Chain Tower right

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "The Chain Tower". frenchmoments.eu. French Moments Ltd. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  2. ^ Base Mérimée: Saint-Nicolas tower, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)
  3. ^ "The Saint Nicolas Tower (La tour Saint-Nicolas)". poitou-charentes-vendee.com. Poitou Charentes Vendee. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
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Media related to Tour Saint-Nicolas at Wikimedia Commons