Tour César Live Cam

The Tour César, also known as the Caesar Tower, is a medieval tower located in the town of Provins, which is about 80 kilometers southeast of Paris. It is one of the key attractions of Provins, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.

The tower was constructed in the 12th century during the reign of Henry the Liberal, Count of Champagne. It was originally part of the fortifications that surrounded the town and served as a defensive structure. The tower played a significant role in protecting the strategic trade routes and maintaining the security of Provins.

The Tour César stands at an impressive height of around 58 meters (190 feet) and is built with sturdy stone walls. It features a cylindrical shape and is divided into four main levels, each with its distinct purpose.

The ground floor of the tower was used as a storage area and a stable for horses. The first floor served as a living space for the guards and soldiers. The second floor housed the Great Hall, where official ceremonies and gatherings took place. The top floor, known as the Salle des Gardes, was used as a lookout post, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Over the centuries, the tower underwent several modifications and restorations. It was damaged during the Hundred Years' War but was subsequently repaired. In the 19th century, extensive restoration work was undertaken to preserve the tower, including the addition of a pointed roof.

Today, the Tour César is open to the public as part of the Provins tourist site. Visitors can explore its interior, which includes an exhibition showcasing the history of Provins and the tower itself. Climbing to the top of the tower rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the town and its medieval skyline.

The Tour César stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural heritage of Provins and remains an iconic symbol of the town's medieval past.

Historical facts

• Construction: The Tour César was built between 1152 and 1181 during the reign of Henry the Liberal, Count of Champagne. It was part of the larger fortifications of Provins, which aimed to protect the town and its strategic trade routes.
• Defensive Function: The tower served as a defensive structure, providing a vantage point for monitoring the surrounding countryside and acting as a stronghold during times of conflict. Its location atop a hill made it a prominent landmark and a symbol of power and authority.
• Architectural Design: The Tour César is an impressive cylindrical tower made of limestone blocks. It stands approximately 58 meters (190 feet) tall and has a diameter of around 17 meters (56 feet). The design reflects the military architecture of the time, with thick stone walls and narrow arrow slits for archers.
• Strategic Importance: Provins, as a prosperous medieval trading town, was a vital center for commerce and cultural exchange. The Tour César played a crucial role in protecting the town's interests, ensuring the safety of merchants, and maintaining control over the region.
• Historical Events: The tower witnessed several historical events throughout its existence. During the Hundred Years' War, Provins was captured and partially destroyed by the English army. The Tour César sustained damage but was later repaired.
• Restorations: In the 19th century, the Tour César underwent significant restoration work under the direction of architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. This restoration aimed to preserve the tower's medieval character and included the addition of a pointed roof, which is not original to its construction.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Tour César, along with the rest of the medieval town of Provins, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. This recognition highlights its historical and architectural significance and promotes its preservation for future generations.
• Visitor Experience: Today, visitors can explore the interior of the Tour César, which houses exhibitions on the history of Provins and offers stunning panoramic views from the top. The tower serves as a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors interested in medieval history and architecture.

The Tour César's rich history and remarkable architecture make it an important cultural landmark, symbolizing the medieval heritage of Provins.

Bells

• Number of Bells: The Tour César is home to a set of bells known as the "Carillon de la Tour César." The carillon consists of 56 bells, making it one of the largest carillons in France.
• Construction and Origin: The bells of Tour César were cast by the prestigious bell foundry Paccard, located in Annecy, France. The casting of the bells took place in the 19th century as part of the tower's restoration.
• Musical Range: The carillon of Tour César covers a wide musical range. The bells are tuned to different pitches, allowing for the production of melodic and harmonious sounds. The set includes bells of various sizes, creating a rich and resonant tone.
• Musical Performances: The bells of Tour César are played by a carillonist, an individual trained in the art of playing the carillon. The carillonist uses a keyboard called a clavier and a set of pedals to strike the bells and produce melodies. Musical performances on the carillon can be heard during special events and festivals in Provins.
• Historical Significance: The presence of bells in the Tour César is significant in the context of medieval towns. Bells played an essential role in the life of the community, serving as a means of communication, marking the passage of time, and providing a source of musical enjoyment.
• Symbolism: The ringing of the bells from Tour César adds to the ambiance and charm of the medieval town of Provins. The melodic sounds resonate through the streets, creating a unique atmosphere and enhancing the historical experience for visitors.
• Cultural Heritage: The carillon and its bells are considered an important part of Provins' cultural heritage. They contribute to the preservation and promotion of traditional bell music and represent the historical and artistic value of the region.

The bells of Tour César are not only functional but also hold cultural and historical significance. They add to the sensory experience of visitors, immersing them in the medieval ambiance of Provins and providing a unique musical element to the architectural marvel that is the Tour César.

Architecture

The architecture of the Tour César in Provins showcases the characteristics of medieval military fortifications. Here are some features of its architectural design:

• Tower Structure: The Tour César is a cylindrical tower with a commanding height of approximately 58 meters (190 feet). It is constructed with thick stone walls that provide strength and durability. The tower's diameter is around 17 meters (56 feet), contributing to its imposing presence.
• Defensive Elements: The tower was primarily built as a defensive structure to protect the town of Provins. It features narrow arrow slits or loopholes strategically placed throughout the walls. These openings allowed archers to shoot arrows at potential attackers while offering minimal exposure.
• Entrance: The entrance to the Tour César is accessed through a fortified doorway located above ground level. This arrangement made it difficult for invaders to breach the tower's defenses.
• Interior Levels: The tower is divided into four main levels, each serving a specific function. The ground floor was used as a storage area and a stable for horses, while the first floor served as a living space for the guards and soldiers. The second floor housed the Great Hall, which hosted official ceremonies and gatherings. The top floor, known as the Salle des Gardes, served as a lookout post and offered panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Materials: The Tour César is constructed primarily using limestone blocks. Limestone was a common material in medieval architecture due to its availability and durability. The stones were carefully cut and fitted together to create a solid and cohesive structure.
• Restoration: The Tour César underwent significant restoration work in the 19th century under the guidance of architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. The restoration aimed to preserve the tower's medieval character and included the addition of a pointed roof, which is not original to its construction.
• Architectural Style: The Tour César exhibits characteristics of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, which were prevalent during the tower's construction. The sturdy stone walls, narrow openings, and overall imposing presence align with the defensive and utilitarian aspects of medieval military architecture.

The architectural design of the Tour César reflects its historical purpose as a defensive structure while showcasing the skills and techniques employed during the medieval period. It stands as a remarkable example of medieval military architecture and contributes to the rich heritage of Provins.