Fortifications maritimes de La Rochelle, Medieval maritime fortifications in La Rochelle, France.
The maritime fortifications of La Rochelle form a defense system with three towers protecting the old harbor: Saint-Nicolas Tower, Chain Tower, and Lantern Tower, connected by thick stone walls. Each tower has multiple levels accessible by spiral staircases offering views of the harbor.
Construction began in the 12th century when La Rochelle rose as a major European Atlantic port and gained strategic importance. Through the 17th century, additional fortifications were added to defend the harbor's growing commercial and naval significance.
The towers display numerous engravings carved by imprisoned sailors in the 18th century, depicting ships and maritime life on the stone walls. These scratches and drawings tell the stories of those held captive here.
Visitors can explore all three towers during daylight hours, ascending multiple levels via spiral staircases where comfortable shoes are recommended. Access to the upper levels requires some physical fitness as the staircases are steep and narrow.
An iron chain system connected Saint-Nicolas and Chain towers, controlling ship traffic through a pulley mechanism that could be raised and lowered. This technique allowed large merchant vessels to be quickly blocked or released.
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