Tour du Guet

The Tour du Guet is a 13th-century watchtower in Calais, Pas-de-Calais, northern France. Located on Place d'Armes behind the Hotel de Ville, it is 39 metres (128 ft) in height, and features a dovecote for carrier pigeons. The tower dates from 1214, when Philip I, Count of Boulogne built fortifications in the town.[1] Damaged by a 1580 earthquake, it was used as a lighthouse until 1848, when it became a watch tower.[2] During World War I, it served as a military post.[3]

Tour du Guet, Calais.
Bell at the Tour du Guet, Calais.

References

  1. Base Mérimée: PA00108248, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)
  2. Murray, J. (1875). Hand-book for travellers in France 3rd-14th, 16th, 18th ed (Public domain ed.). pp. 2. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  3. Ruler, John (25 January 2011). Cross-Channel France: Nord-Pas de Calais: The Land Beyond the Ports. Bradt Travel Guides. pp. 67–. ISBN 978-1-84162-327-6. Retrieved 7 February 2012.

50.95889°N 1.84972°E / 50.95889; 1.84972

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