The Big BellBarron Bell Bordeaux, Bordeauxas, Aquitaine, France
At the heart of the city stands one of the oldest belfries in France, the only vestige of the old ramparts of the city, whose bells have punctuated the life of Bordeaux since the 13th century.
“My blows mark the time, my voice calls to arms, (…) I have songs for all the happiness, for all the dead I have tears” so one can read the inscription in Latin engraved on the face interior of the Big Bell, melted in 1775 and weighing not less than 7.750 kg! “Armande-Louise” (its baptismal name) rings 6 times a year for major celebrations: January 1st, May 1st, May 8th, July 14th, August 28th and November 11th at 11am and the 1st Sunday of each month at noon (since July 2016).
This defensive door also served as a prison. The young people who behaved badly were locked up in his jails with doors 10 cm thick and lined with huge locks. The jokers said they were staying at the Lion d’Or hotel, an allusion to the vane of the central dome actually representing the king of animals, one of the symbols of the kings of England.
This door is open to visitors. A guide will accompany you in these strange dungeons still inhabited by the memories of those who did not respect curfew or public order.
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