Saint-Jacques Tower, Gothic tower in 4th arrondissement, France
Saint-Jacques Tower is a Gothic structure that reaches approximately 54 meters high and stands as a landmark in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It features an octagonal base adorned with detailed limestone sculptures and a bell chamber positioned at its top.
Construction took place between 1509 and 1523, shaping the city's skyline for centuries. It survived when the adjacent Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie was demolished during the French Revolution in 1797.
The tower marks an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, visited by many pilgrims today. Although the church it belonged to has disappeared, it continues to serve as a landmark for those following this sacred path.
The tower welcomes visitors on weekends and offers guided tours explaining its features. You should be prepared to climb stairs if you want to reach the views from the upper levels.
A statue of Blaise Pascal stands at the base, commemorating his atmospheric pressure experiments conducted here in the 17th century. These tests became influential in the development of modern physics and remain part of the tower's scientific legacy.
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