Tower of Fowler Biblical School, Historical bell tower at University of Nanking site, China.
The Tower of Fowler Biblical School is a three-story stone and brick structure on the University of Nanking campus site. The building displays rounded arches, steep roofs, and geometric proportions that merge Western architectural principles with local traditions.
The building was founded in 1888 by Methodist Episcopal missionaries and suffered significant damage from a fire in 1917. Its reconstruction after this event made it a testament to the resilience of early missionary institutions.
The bell tower blends Western and Chinese architectural styles in a way that was remarkable for early 20th century Nanjing. Visitors can still observe the mixed design elements that show how foreign educational institutions established themselves in the city.
The building is accessible with limited or no public viewing, as it primarily serves as office space. It is advisable to view it from outside and to check local regulations for protected sites before visiting the grounds.
During the 1937 Nanking Massacre, the tower and surrounding grounds provided shelter for hundreds of civilians within the Nanking Safety Zone. This role makes the building a silent witness to one of the darkest chapters in the city's history.
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