Tour du Leughenaer à Dunkerque, Historical lighthouse near Port du Grand Large, Dunkirk, France
The Leughenaer tower rises about 30 meters above Dunkirk's old fishing port and features an octagonal stone structure topped by a lantern. The ground floor houses a local maritime association year-round, and the tower opens to visitors mainly during Heritage Days.
The tower was built in 1405 as part of Burgundian fortifications and received its lighthouse function in 1793. An additional lantern was installed in 1814, reinforcing its role as a navigation aid for harbor ships.
The name Leughenaer comes from Flemish and refers to a medieval coastal practice where misleading lights lured ships into dangerous waters. This historical connection shapes how visitors understand the tower as a symbol of the city's maritime past.
The tower is accessible to visitors during Heritage Days, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to go inside. The maritime association on the ground floor is open year-round and can provide information about the site's history.
This is Dunkirk's oldest building and the last surviving element of medieval Burgundian fortifications. Its long survival lies partly in the fact that it was preserved in its original form, unlike the surrounding walls that were later demolished.
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