Porte de la Grosse-Horloge (Big Clock Gate), La Rochelle
The Big Clock Gate is a historic monument that has stood as a gateway between the city鈥檚 bustling old port and its medieval center for centuries. Originally constructed in the early 12th century as part of the city鈥檚 first fortified enclosure, the gate was known in the 13th century as the Porte du Parrot or Perrot, named after the suburb it led to. It featured two separate passageways 鈥� one for carts and one for pedestrians 鈥� highlighting its role as a practical yet defensive urban structure.
In 1478, the gate underwent a significant transformation when an octagonal bell tower was added, converting it into the city鈥檚 belfry. This new function marked the gate鈥檚 transition from a purely defensive structure to a civic one. The bell tower, topped with a campanile, housed the town clock and served as a central timekeeper for the growing city. Later, in 1672, the two original openings were merged into a single large archway to accommodate increased traffic through the gate.
The architectural evolution of the Big Clock continued into the 18th century. In 1746, the upper section of the gate was redesigned in the elegant Louis XV style, replacing the earlier Gothic elements with more refined classical features adorned with scientific and military motifs. Despite these changes, the monument retained its historical significance and continued to serve various civic purposes, including briefly housing an archaeological museum focused on the Templars of La Rochelle.
Today, the Big Clock remains one of the most emblematic structures in La Rochelle. Classified as a historic monument since 1978, it stands not only as an architectural landmark but also as a symbol of the city鈥檚 layered history 鈥� from medieval fortifications to a center of maritime and civic life.
In 1478, the gate underwent a significant transformation when an octagonal bell tower was added, converting it into the city鈥檚 belfry. This new function marked the gate鈥檚 transition from a purely defensive structure to a civic one. The bell tower, topped with a campanile, housed the town clock and served as a central timekeeper for the growing city. Later, in 1672, the two original openings were merged into a single large archway to accommodate increased traffic through the gate.
The architectural evolution of the Big Clock continued into the 18th century. In 1746, the upper section of the gate was redesigned in the elegant Louis XV style, replacing the earlier Gothic elements with more refined classical features adorned with scientific and military motifs. Despite these changes, the monument retained its historical significance and continued to serve various civic purposes, including briefly housing an archaeological museum focused on the Templars of La Rochelle.
Today, the Big Clock remains one of the most emblematic structures in La Rochelle. Classified as a historic monument since 1978, it stands not only as an architectural landmark but also as a symbol of the city鈥檚 layered history 鈥� from medieval fortifications to a center of maritime and civic life.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in La Rochelle. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: 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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Porte de la Grosse-Horloge (Big Clock Gate) on Map
Sight Name: Porte de la Grosse-Horloge (Big Clock Gate)
Sight Location: La Rochelle, France (See walking tours in La Rochelle)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: La Rochelle, France (See walking tours in La Rochelle)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in La Rochelle, France
Create Your Own Walk in La Rochelle
Creating your own self-guided walk in La Rochelle 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.
La Rochelle Introduction Walking Tour
La Rochelle, tucked along France鈥檚 Atlantic coast, has always marched to the beat of its own drum. What began as a quiet fishing village quickly transformed into a thriving medieval port by the 12th century, trading wine, salt, and fish with anyone who鈥檇 sail close enough. With a sheltered harbor and a strong streak of independence, the city grew rich鈥攁nd just a bit unruly. French kings... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles