When the roi d’Aragon built this tower, it was meant to show off his dominance over newly acquired territory, using heavy grey-blue limestone to create a structure that was more a statement of power than a home. The tower, which formed the remains of a palace cited in 1172, shows great sophistication and reflects the best craftsmanship of the time.
In 1613, the consuls of Millau bought the old square keep to serve as a base for an octagonal tower to house the communal bell and clock. From 1790 to 1818, the original square tower served as a municipal prison, located next to the Hôtel de Tauriac, which was then the Hôtel de Ville. The ensemble is built in grey-blue limestone blocks and ochre limestone for the window frames.
Today, it is possible to access the upper platform located at 42 meters high. From there, you can admire a panoramic view of the commune of Millau, the limestone massifs of the causses, and the Millau viaduct. The building is currently without its spire, which was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1811. Inside, the tower remains sophisticated with its vaulted ceilings and historical features like latrines and a loge-like room.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
Discuss this with the author and others
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation.