2023-07-24 02:48:06
From its height of 29 meters, it overlooks the rue du Change. In Beaugency (Loiret), the Clock Tower, also called Porte du Change, is unmissable in the city center. However, over the years, the building has deteriorated and today requires restoration work. The roof but also the beams inside are no longer in good condition. The cost is estimated between 800,000 and 850,000 euros depending on the municipality. A subscription has been launched on the Heritage Foundation website.
Nearly 40,000 euros have already been raised out of an initial objective of 50,000 euros.
An emblem of the city in the hearts of the inhabitants
The Balgenciens put their hands in their pockets, like Michelle. She has lived in the town for 40 years and is very happy with this renovation project: “This tower represents everything a past that must be preserved. We are lucky to have an old city so it seems important to me to restore everything that can be“. The Clock Tower is important in the daily life of the inhabitants. As a child, Theresa lived close to it, and every morning she went to check if the time given by her mother was the right one: “I ran to the Clock Tower, I looked at the time and I was reassured“.
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The future restoration also appeals to lovers of local heritage such as Dominique Daury, the president of the city’s archaeological and historical society: “It is very important for heritage because it is the only practically complete rampart tower that we have left“. Built in the middle of the 11th century, it was initially a city entrance tower according to the Heritage Foundation, but with the expansion of the city it changed its function several times: city watchtower, prison, tribunal of the provost of merchants. The clock has been installed since 1511 and the monument has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1922.
Time capsules inserted into the tower
To encourage residents to participate, the sponsor of the subscription, Sarah Poulain had the idea of inserting three time capsules during the work. These will be open in several decades. The goal? Leave a mark for future generations : “People in the future will be able to see our life in Beaugency“, explains Sarah Poulain.
For his part, the mayor of the city, Jacques Mesas, is looking for subsidies to carry out the restoration. Work should begin at the beginning of 2024 and will last several months. The renovation will also the opening to the public of the Clock Tower during the tourist season and European Heritage Days.
The people of Balgen are very attached to this tower. © Radio France – Pierre Frasiak The subscription is displayed on the Clock Tower. © Radio France – Pierre Frasiak The mayor of the city, Jacques Mesas, and the godmother of the subscription, Sarah Poulain, encourage donations. © Radio France – Pierre Frasiak
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