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St. Nicholas Tower: A Medieval Maritime Fortress

Explore La Rochelle's iconic St. Nicholas Tower, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's rich maritime history.

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The St. Nicholas Tower, a towering medieval fortress in La Rochelle, France, stands as a testament to the city's maritime power and wealth. Built in the 14th century, it once guarded the entrance to the Old Port, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to St. Nicholas Tower

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there are many steps to climb to reach the top of the tower.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Consider renting an audio guide to learn more about the tower's history and significance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Place de la République in the city center, walk south towards Rue du Palais. Continue until you reach Rue de l'Armide, then turn right. The St. Nicholas Tower will be on your left, near the harbor. This is a straightforward walk of approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From La Rochelle train station, take Bus Line 1 towards 'Les Minimes'. Get off at 'Place de la République'. From there, walk south towards Rue du Palais and continue to Rue de l'Armide, turning right. The tower will be on your left. A single bus fare is approximately €1.30.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from La Rochelle train station to St. Nicholas Tower typically costs between €10 and €15, depending on traffic. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes.

Unlock the Best of St. Nicholas Tower

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Discover more about St. Nicholas Tower

The St. Nicholas Tower, along with the Chain Tower and the Lantern Tower, marks the entrance to La Rochelle's Old Port, serving as enduring symbols of the city. Constructed beginning around 1345 and completed in 1376, this imposing medieval fortress stands as a testament to La Rochelle's historical maritime power and wealth. Legend says that the fairy Mélusine built the tower, dropping stones from her apron while flying over La Rochelle. The tower's architecture is a blend of defensive and residential design. The 38-meter-tall structure (some sources say 42 meters) is built on oak piles driven into the mud and stabilized by stones. During construction, the unstable ground caused the tower to tilt slightly, leading to reinforcements from the second floor upwards. This slight tilt is still visible today, earning it the nickname "the French Tower of Pisa". For centuries, the St. Nicholas Tower, together with the Chain Tower, controlled access to La Rochelle's Old Port. A large chain was stretched between the two towers to block ships from entering without permission. The tower also served as a residence for the captain, his family, and soldiers. Over time, the tower was also used as a prison, including for Protestants and foreign sailors. Classified as a historical monument in 1879, the St. Nicholas Tower has undergone several restorations to ensure its preservation. Visitors can explore the tower's labyrinthine interior, admire the panoramic views from the rooftop terrace, and learn about its rich history.

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