The Clock Tower of Chiclana de la Frontera: From Ancient City Gates to Monument

The Torre del Reloj de Chiclana de la Frontera, or popularly named Arquillo del Reloj, is an emblematic structure of Chiclana de la Frontera. Constructed in the 18th century over one of the old gates of the town, it originally formed part of the Casa del Cabildo. Today, it is located in the Plaza Mayor, forming a monumental frame alongside the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista.

The tower predates the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, to which it now serves as a bell tower. Because the construction of two planned bell towers was left unfinished, the tower was assigned this religious use. Its origins are linked to the growth of the population of Chiclana after 1303, when the lands were granted to the Casa de Medina Sidonia. Two arches from the old walls remain: one in the Plaza Mayor supporting the tower, and another in an area that retains the toponymy of "El Castillo".

In the second half of the 18th century, the clock on the primitive tower was repaired by the Sevillian master clockmaker José Varales, and a reform was decided. However, in 1757, a new tower was decided to be built over the arch due to technical problems. Construction on this new tower was completed in 1764, though work continued inside for several years. In 1787, the clock from the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista was placed in it.

Standing 30 meters tall, the tower is a slender architectural element with a square plan, built of Ostionera stone. It consists of four bodies: the base with a semi-circular arch providing access to the square, the main body housing the clock mechanism, an octagonal bell body, and a semi-spherical dome covered in glazed ceramic material topped with a forged iron Latin cross. The tower is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) and has been declared a Monumento Nacional since 1985.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons