Tour du Guet (Watchtower), Calais
The Watchtower is a historic landmark in Calais, standing at a height of 35 meters. Officially dating back to 1302, it is one of the oldest surviving monuments in the city. Originally part of a medieval castle, the exact date of its construction remains uncertain. Some local legends suggest that it might have been an earlier defensive structure erected by Charlemagne to protect the coastline from Norman invasions.
Throughout its long history, the tower has witnessed significant events and changes. In 1580, it endured a severe convulsion that split it in two, marking one of the more dramatic episodes in its storied past. Despite such challenges, the tower has remained a symbol of Calais' historical resilience and architectural heritage.
The Watchtower was classified as a historic monument in 1931, recognizing its importance as a part of France's cultural and historical legacy. Today, it stands as a solitary remnant of the medieval period, surrounded by the bustling activity of Arms Square, which itself has transformed into a lively market square and gathering place.
Visitors to Calais can appreciate the Tour du Guet not only for its historical significance but also for its striking, solitary silhouette against the city's evolving landscape. Its preservation offers a glimpse into the medieval defenses and architectural styles that once dominated the region, making it a cherished landmark in the heart of Calais.
Throughout its long history, the tower has witnessed significant events and changes. In 1580, it endured a severe convulsion that split it in two, marking one of the more dramatic episodes in its storied past. Despite such challenges, the tower has remained a symbol of Calais' historical resilience and architectural heritage.
The Watchtower was classified as a historic monument in 1931, recognizing its importance as a part of France's cultural and historical legacy. Today, it stands as a solitary remnant of the medieval period, surrounded by the bustling activity of Arms Square, which itself has transformed into a lively market square and gathering place.
Visitors to Calais can appreciate the Tour du Guet not only for its historical significance but also for its striking, solitary silhouette against the city's evolving landscape. Its preservation offers a glimpse into the medieval defenses and architectural styles that once dominated the region, making it a cherished landmark in the heart of Calais.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Calais. 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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Tour du Guet (Watchtower) on Map
Sight Name: Tour du Guet (Watchtower)
Sight Location: Calais, France (See walking tours in Calais)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Calais, France (See walking tours in Calais)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Calais, France
Create Your Own Walk in Calais
Creating your own self-guided walk in Calais 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.
Calais Introduction Walking Tour
Calais, a French port city, strategically overlooks the Strait of Dover at the English Channel's narrowest point, merely 34 km (21 miles). On a sunny day, one can clearly see the White Cliffs of Dover on the English side. A major ferry port between France and England, Calais also has been connected directly to the UK by rail, through the Channel Tunnel, since 1994.
The name Calais, tracing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The name Calais, tracing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles