Grosse Cloche, Bordeaux, France

The Grosse Cloche is one of the oldest belfries in France, in the heart of Bordeaux. It was built in the 8th century AD to the site of ancient Gallo-Roman gate and restored in the 15-16th centuries. The bell was cast in 1775 and weighs than 7,750 kilos. The bell was used to inform and alert citizens. It is the symbol of Bordeaux and still in the city coat of arms.

User Reviews

an jas (3 years ago)
Amazing landmark. Places like that makes wandering around the city so much more enjoyable! I wish they would do tours inside it.

Mike Richardson (3 years ago)
ding dong make it a point to work by this clock it's an amazing piece of architecture that frames the city

BLUEDOT Creative (3 years ago)
Lovely surprise of the Grosse Cloche in the narrow lane and lively street. The building consists of the medieval bell, city wall and the church is well restored. Register on the website of the tourism center if you wish to visit the interior.

Ruisko Bonetti (3 years ago)
Very pretty and very cool. The bar next to it was also great. Definitely worth a visit. 5 star

Rob Fraser (3 years ago)
Very impressive gate with great architecture. Would liked to have been able to go in. Lots of unique shops around it on Rue St. James. Well worth a visit.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

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