No matter where someone sits in the village, they can look towards the Mediterranean Sea and see the incredible sight of the Notre Dame des Anges tower. It is certainly hard to miss with its lovely pink dome looming above the church and is also the source of many interesting comments and conversation about its unusual shape….
The tower’s foundation is built into the sea which is quite the feat considering it was constructed in the Middle Ages. Originally it was built as a lighthouse with actual fires being lit at the top and functioned as a warning tower. Later as the fishing trade grew, it was a point, used by fisherman on their boats to guide them home into the village. The tower later became a jail and then eventually it was converted into the bell tower when the church was added in 1684. Its unique pink copper dome that makes it so well known was added in 1810.
This structure is the most recognizable sight within Collioure. It is in every tourist’s photographs and is one of the most painted locations in France (right up there with Moulin Rouge and Monet’s lilies).
The beautiful masonry work and different coloured stones are stunning and it truly is a piece of art. We are still taken each morning as we walk out our front door and see the peaceful church and magnificent tower, always there, ready to welcome us each day.
We now understand why this tower is beloved by every resident and artist around. The bells that chime on the half hour and play a beautiful song when calling those to services, continue to ring in your heart, beckoning you to stay in the beautiful village of Collioure.
For more information on sights to see in the village of Collioure, check out the Tourism Board's website at www.collioure.com
The tower’s foundation is built into the sea which is quite the feat considering it was constructed in the Middle Ages. Originally it was built as a lighthouse with actual fires being lit at the top and functioned as a warning tower. Later as the fishing trade grew, it was a point, used by fisherman on their boats to guide them home into the village. The tower later became a jail and then eventually it was converted into the bell tower when the church was added in 1684. Its unique pink copper dome that makes it so well known was added in 1810.
This structure is the most recognizable sight within Collioure. It is in every tourist’s photographs and is one of the most painted locations in France (right up there with Moulin Rouge and Monet’s lilies).
The beautiful masonry work and different coloured stones are stunning and it truly is a piece of art. We are still taken each morning as we walk out our front door and see the peaceful church and magnificent tower, always there, ready to welcome us each day.
We now understand why this tower is beloved by every resident and artist around. The bells that chime on the half hour and play a beautiful song when calling those to services, continue to ring in your heart, beckoning you to stay in the beautiful village of Collioure.
For more information on sights to see in the village of Collioure, check out the Tourism Board's website at www.collioure.com
RSS Feed