Town Hall and Belfry, Douai

Douai's ornate Gothic style belfry was begun in 1380, on the site of an earlier tower. The 80 m high structure includes an impressive carillon, consisting of 62 bells spanning 5 octaves. The originals, some dating from 1391 were removed in 1917 during World War I by the occupying German forces, who intended to melt them down for the metal. They were reinstalled after repairs in 1924, but 47 of them were replaced in 1954 to obtain a better sound. An additional larger bell in the summit, a La called "Joyeuse", dates from 1471 and weighs 5.5 tonnes. The chimes are rung by a mechanism every quarter hour, but are also played via a keyboard on Saturday mornings and at certain other times.

The substantial Porte de Valenciennes town gate, a reminder of the town's past military importance, was built in 1453. One face is built in Gothic style, while the other is of Classical design.

  • beffroi de douai
  • Douai - Beffroi
  • Douai
  • Douai, France.
  • Douai (59) 6 novembre 1974. Rue de l'université et le célèbre beffroi. (Diapositive numérisée).
  • Douai-Le Beffroi

Country:
France
Rating:
1
Latitude:
50,3677137
Longitude:
3,0805163
Wikipedia:
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