Grosse Cloche

Description

The Grosse Cloche in Bordeaux (Gironde), also known as the Porte Saint-Eloi or Porte Saint-James, is a historic gate and belfry constructed in the 15th century. Originally serving as one of the city's main entrances, it played a vital role in municipal life; the bell was rung to signal the start of the grape harvest and to alert citizens to fires or other emergencies. The current bell, cast in 1775 and weighing approximately 7,800 kilograms, is affectionately named "Armande-Louise." The structure also functioned as a defensive fortification and a prison for young offenders, who were detained behind thick, heavily bolted doors. The Grosse Cloche is featured on Bordeaux's coat of arms and is one of the few remaining medieval structures in the city.