Tour Magdala, Neo-Gothic tower in Rennes-le-Château, France
Tour Magdala is a Neo-Gothic tower standing at the western edge of the estate built by Father Saunière, with a spiral staircase leading to a viewing platform. From the top, visitors can see the mountain slopes surrounding the area.
Father Saunière began construction of the tower in 1906, initially calling it Tour d'Horloge in the original plans. Building this structure reflected his personal religious vision for transforming the estate.
The tower takes its name from the biblical village of Magdala, which people associate with Mary Magdalene. Its Gothic style reflects religious interests that shaped the estate's design.
The tower can be reached on foot through the estate grounds and is open to visitors during warmer months. The climb up the narrow spiral staircase requires good mobility and may not be suitable for everyone.
The spiral staircase contains a specific number of steps that corresponds to the feast day of Saint Mary Magdalene, with a red dot marked on the highest step. These details reveal how deeply Saunière honored this biblical figure in his design.
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