Tour Jacquemart, Fortified tower in Romans-sur-Isère, France.
The Jacquemart Tower is a fortified structure in Romans-sur-Isère with four clock faces marking its corners. Rising to about 37 meters, it dominates the medieval district with a spiral staircase of 97 steps that climbs to an observation platform with views across the city.
The tower was built in 1174 as part of the first city wall and later integrated into the Montségur fortress. From 1344 to 1835 it served as a prison before changing its role entirely.
The clock automaton strikes the hours dressed in costumes representing different periods of French history, becoming part of the rhythm for people living in this old quarter. Locals and visitors alike pause to watch its movements at regular intervals throughout the day.
Climbing to the observation platform requires reasonable fitness due to the many steps in the tight spiral staircase. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable and checking conditions beforehand helps, especially on rainy days.
Inside the tower stands one of France's largest Jacquemart automatons, a wooden figure about 2.60 meters tall and covered in zinc. This mechanical creation from around 1429 has survived remarkably well and remains fully operational.
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