Place de l'Horloge (Clock Square), Nimes
The Clock Square is a charming and historically significant square named after the prominent clock tower that graces its surroundings. This elegant campanile stands at a height of 31 meters and is crowned with a wrought iron bell, creating a distinctive landmark that has made Clock Square a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors.
The history of this monument is closely intertwined with N卯mes itself. In 1410, the city's residents sought and obtained permission from the King to erect a clock tower with a public-use bell. Prior to this, the citizens relied on the bell of the Cathedral for timekeeping and as a warning signal during times of conflict or war. This shared use of the steeple led to disputes, including the canons' refusal to allow a sentinel on the church's belfry. The conflicts persisted until an agreement was reached to transfer the bell to the city. The decision was facilitated by a trade-off: the city agreed to ban foreign wines from entering N卯mes, while the canons provided the bell. In return for their cooperation, wines produced in the canons' vineyards outside the N卯mes region were granted entry into the city.
The original clock tower faced the threat of ruin over the years. However, in 1752, it was reconstructed and adorned with an octagon-shaped wrought iron bell tower. This elegant structure not only tells the time but also serves as a symbol of N卯mes' rich history and culture.
Today, Clock Square is not only a historical landmark but also a vibrant hub, with a blend of shops and caf茅 terraces that make it a delightful destination for both locals and tourists. Here, amid the picturesque setting and the melodious chimes of the bell tower, visitors can enjoy the city's gastronomic specialty, N卯mes brandade, while soaking in the ambiance of this iconic square.
The history of this monument is closely intertwined with N卯mes itself. In 1410, the city's residents sought and obtained permission from the King to erect a clock tower with a public-use bell. Prior to this, the citizens relied on the bell of the Cathedral for timekeeping and as a warning signal during times of conflict or war. This shared use of the steeple led to disputes, including the canons' refusal to allow a sentinel on the church's belfry. The conflicts persisted until an agreement was reached to transfer the bell to the city. The decision was facilitated by a trade-off: the city agreed to ban foreign wines from entering N卯mes, while the canons provided the bell. In return for their cooperation, wines produced in the canons' vineyards outside the N卯mes region were granted entry into the city.
The original clock tower faced the threat of ruin over the years. However, in 1752, it was reconstructed and adorned with an octagon-shaped wrought iron bell tower. This elegant structure not only tells the time but also serves as a symbol of N卯mes' rich history and culture.
Today, Clock Square is not only a historical landmark but also a vibrant hub, with a blend of shops and caf茅 terraces that make it a delightful destination for both locals and tourists. Here, amid the picturesque setting and the melodious chimes of the bell tower, visitors can enjoy the city's gastronomic specialty, N卯mes brandade, while soaking in the ambiance of this iconic square.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Nimes. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Place de l'Horloge (Clock Square) on Map
Sight Name: Place de l'Horloge (Clock Square)
Sight Location: Nimes, France (See walking tours in Nimes)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nimes, France (See walking tours in Nimes)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nimes, France
Create Your Own Walk in Nimes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nimes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Nimes Introduction Walking Tour
Dubbed the most Roman city outside Italy, Nimes, a small city in Southern France, is steeped in history that harks back to the days of the mighty Roman Empire.
The name itself holds clues to the city's origin, reflecting Celtic roots and connection with the local god, Nemausus, associated with a healing spring.
The hill of Mount Cavalier, once an oppidum, served as the birthplace of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The name itself holds clues to the city's origin, reflecting Celtic roots and connection with the local god, Nemausus, associated with a healing spring.
The hill of Mount Cavalier, once an oppidum, served as the birthplace of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Ancient Roman Ruins in Nimes
Nicknamed 鈥渢he French Rome,鈥� the southern French town of Nimes is indeed the most Roman city outside of Italy. In large part, this is due to a wealth of architectural monuments that have remained here since the Roman era. Some ruined and some well-preserved, they offer a captivating glimpse into the ancient history stretching back to the early days of Roman expansion.
A true testament to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
A true testament to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles