Tour de la Lanterne (Lantern Tower), La Rochelle
The Lantern Tower is a remarkable blend of medieval architecture, maritime history, and somber remembrance. Originally constructed at the end of the 12th century, the tower stood at the entrance to the old port, where it played a vital defensive and regulatory role. The resident captain, known as 鈥渢he ship disarmer鈥�, was tasked with ensuring that vessels entered the port without weapons. This early version of the tower laid the foundation for what would become one of La Rochelle鈥檚 most iconic structures.
Significant modifications to the tower took place in the 15th century. Between 1445 and 1468, under the leadership of Mayor Jehan M茅richon, a larger Gothic-style tower was built around the original one. The vaulted ceiling of the lower hall was preserved, and the new tower was crowned with a 30-meter-high stone spire, atop a 25-meter cylindrical base. Designed to function as a lighthouse, the tower鈥檚 lantern 鈥� a glass-enclosed flame 鈥� served as a crucial beacon for sailors, giving the tower its current name.
From the 16th century onward, the Lantern Tower took on a darker role as a prison. It housed a wide range of captives over the centuries: foreign privateers, Protestant detainees after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, and Vend茅e rebels during the French Revolution. The tower even witnessed tragic events during the Wars of Religion, including the execution of thirteen Catholic priests in 1568. Inside its walls, over 600 graffiti etched by prisoners still remain, providing a haunting, personal record of those who passed through. Among the most notable is a detailed carving by a man named Lafontaine in 1872, depicting a ship sailing between towers.
Today, the Lantern Tower stands as a 55-meter-high testament to La Rochelle鈥檚 layered past. Visitors can explore its thick stone walls, admire the preserved medieval graffiti, and ascend to the gallery at the top of the spire. From there, panoramic views reveal the old city and the Atlantic Ocean beyond 鈥� a fitting vantage point from which to reflect on the tower鈥檚 long and complex history.
Significant modifications to the tower took place in the 15th century. Between 1445 and 1468, under the leadership of Mayor Jehan M茅richon, a larger Gothic-style tower was built around the original one. The vaulted ceiling of the lower hall was preserved, and the new tower was crowned with a 30-meter-high stone spire, atop a 25-meter cylindrical base. Designed to function as a lighthouse, the tower鈥檚 lantern 鈥� a glass-enclosed flame 鈥� served as a crucial beacon for sailors, giving the tower its current name.
From the 16th century onward, the Lantern Tower took on a darker role as a prison. It housed a wide range of captives over the centuries: foreign privateers, Protestant detainees after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, and Vend茅e rebels during the French Revolution. The tower even witnessed tragic events during the Wars of Religion, including the execution of thirteen Catholic priests in 1568. Inside its walls, over 600 graffiti etched by prisoners still remain, providing a haunting, personal record of those who passed through. Among the most notable is a detailed carving by a man named Lafontaine in 1872, depicting a ship sailing between towers.
Today, the Lantern Tower stands as a 55-meter-high testament to La Rochelle鈥檚 layered past. Visitors can explore its thick stone walls, admire the preserved medieval graffiti, and ascend to the gallery at the top of the spire. From there, panoramic views reveal the old city and the Atlantic Ocean beyond 鈥� a fitting vantage point from which to reflect on the tower鈥檚 long and complex history.
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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Tour de la Lanterne (Lantern Tower) on Map
Sight Name: Tour de la Lanterne (Lantern Tower)
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