Dewaily Clock, Bronze clock tower in central Amiens, France
The Dewaily Clock is a bronze tower in central Amiens featuring a central timepiece surrounded by decorative elements and crowned with a female figure. The structure combines practical function as a public clock with artistic detail, creating a focal point in the city's main area.
In 1892, Louis Dewaily funded the construction of this clock tower through a substantial donation, with architect Emile Ricquier designing the structure and sculptor Albert Roze creating the figure. The work emerged during an era when public clocks became symbols of civic progress and modern urban life.
The female figure crowning the clock earned the nickname 'Marie sans Chemise' from local poet Edouard David and has become closely linked to the city's identity. This familiar name connects the monument to everyday life and how residents think of their surroundings.
The clock mechanism originally ran on gas power but now uses satellite technology to display accurate time for pedestrians throughout the city center. The tower is highly visible from surrounding streets and serves as a helpful landmark for navigating the downtown area.
The bronze statue narrowly escaped being melted down by German authorities in 1943 and survived World War II intact, making it a remarkable survivor of the conflict. This preservation adds an unexpected historical layer to what appears as an ordinary public clock.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
