Tour Ferrande, Medieval tower in Pernes-les-Fontaines, France
Tour Ferrande is a three-story square tower located in the historic center of Pernes-les-Fontaines with remarkable 13th-century frescoes covering the interior walls. The paintings occupy the upper floors and feature detailed scenes that showcase the artistic skill and craftsmanship of the medieval period.
The Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem commissioned the tower, which gradually became a symbol of medieval power in the region. In 1862 it received the status of historical monument, ensuring its protection as a cultural resource for future generations.
The frescoes inside depict battle scenes and a political ceremony from the 13th century, showing how people of that era recorded important events through art. These paintings reveal what subjects mattered to those who lived here and what they valued enough to preserve on their walls.
The tower is accessible only with guided tours that run regularly over several months, with visits limited to small groups for safety and conservation. The climb involves around 60 steps, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow extra time for the ascent and viewing.
The paintings on the third floor rank among the oldest military depictions in France and show a complex scene involving political figures of the time. Many visitors overlook the fine details of armor and weapons that reveal how intricately medieval artists worked.
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