Grosse cloche

13th-15th centuries

The Grosse Cloche belltower is all that remains of the Saint-Éloi gateway built to the south of the Gallo-Roman castrum. It was part of the Town Hall where aldermen met in medieval times. The huge bell (cloche means ”bell”), a symbol of freedom, is tolled these days only to announce major public events. The leopard on top of the weathervane calls to mind the coat of arms of Guyenne, of which Bordeaux was the capital. Cast in 1775 by Turmel, the bell weighs 7,800 kg. The astronomical clock was built in 1759 according to plans by the mathematician Larroque.