Beffroi
Grande-Rue-Maurice-Viollette 28100 Dreux
- Eure-et-Loir
- Centre-Val de Loire
It is the communal bell, that by metonymy, gives its name to the tower which shelters it. A belfry, probably wooden or of modest structure, serves as town house in Dreux from the XIIth century. At the beginning of the XVIth century, a new belfry is built in same location as precedent. Only monument of this type in Eure-et-Loir, it was established from 1512 till 1537\. This old(former) Town hall, symbol of communal liberties from the reign of Louis VI the Big person(Main part) will open its doors unusually. The Belfry, old(former) town hall, was during meadows of the four centuries the seat(siege) of the local administration. Begun in 1512, it was ended only 25 years later. Its decoration, first Gothic at the ground floor, evolves to make room for the Renaissance style in the second floor. Indoors, remarkable vaults are found; monumental fireplaces adorn the rooms of floors. Attic shelter under their huge skeleton the big bell of the city. At the end of the XIXth century, for lack of place(square), the services(departments) of the city council move in the old(former) Savings bank.
Tags
Lieu de pouvoir, édifice judiciaire, Monument historique
Access
pedestrianized Zone in city centre.
DR