Tour Pey-Berland

The standing in Bordeaux Pey - Berland is the choir of Saint -André cathedral isolated on south side östllicher upstream bell tower, similar to an Italian campanile. Is the highest point in the city at its peak.

History

The tower is named after the archbishop Pey Berland, who ordered the construction from 1440. In 1466 he was finished. He was preceded by the built on marshy ground Cathedral, to protect it from the vibrations through the bells. When building the foundations of a chapel were used from the ground floor, a window is still preserved.

For lack of bells and the tower was converted into apartments. 1667 a storm damaged the tower. In 1790 he was to be demolished, but worked to raise public awareness of its receipt. He was sold and converted into a lead factory.

The church bought the tower back in 1851 under Cardinal Donnet, after he had been found in 1848 under monument protection. Now, finally, were also built three small and one large bell. 1863, the 50 meter high tower was increased by the spire with the statue of Notre- Dame d' Aquitaine ( Aquitaine ). The largest bell weighs eight tons, it hangs in the tower since 1869 and has been nicknamed " Ferdinand André ". At height of the tower in bordeaux by the also single tower of Saint- Michel ( 114m ) is exceeded

Architecture

The tower consists of four levels, the windowless base is not a jewelry factory. The only access turned the door of accommodated in the northwest buttress staircase represents the location on the north side large opening with a pointed arch was broken until the 19th century, so the bells could be placed on the tower. In the north and east of the second level there are arcades with late Gothic tracery. On the other two sides bordered to the 19th century residences in the tower. At the third level show the decorated with wooden blinds and sound flamboyant twin windows to the bell chamber. The fourth level is the comprised of two galleries octagonal spire, on which the statue of the Madonna completes the tower to the top. Here is also the highest viewpoint of Bordeaux, which can be climbed over 231 steps of a narrow spiral staircase.