Gaspar L.

2 months ago

"The name "Tourreluque" comes from the Provençal word tourreluco, which literally means "watchtower/surveillance tower" - luca (to watch, to watch). It is typically a polygonal (octagonal or multi-sided) corner tower, like those built in the 14th and 15th centuries within the ramparts to defend a section of the wall. The Tourreluque was part of the medieval city walls of Aix. Until 1848, the city was still surrounded by a rampart; the tower and a section of wall (the 14th-century curtain wall) are the only visible remains of this urban wall today. Originally, it served as a lookout post to monitor the city's outskirts and signal threats.  Subsequently, the tower was used as a powder magazine (powder store), which is attested to in sources that speak of its function in later periods.  On the adjacent wall, oval gun ports (gun ports) can be seen, recently installed, probably around the 16th century, during innovations in defensive techniques (the use of cannons).  The construction of the tower occurred at a time when the city was threatened by attacks, bands of looters, or unrest; Aix was fortified with ramparts and towers to protect its inhabitants.  The 14th century is often cited for the dating of its structures.  The area around the Tourreluque was close to the Roman baths of Aix, and the tower marks the northern boundary of these ancient baths.  In 1467, Franciscan monks of the Observance settled near La Tourreluque. They built a church, a cloister, and convent buildings nearby. These establishments were dismantled during the Revolution.  La Tourreluque is now listed as a historical monument/local heritage site as a remnant of Aix's medieval city walls.  It is one of the last visible remains of the ramparts: only another portion of the medieval curtain wall remains. "

MICHEL

4 months ago

"Watchtower located at the edge of the road. Last vestige of the ramparts built in the Middle Ages."

Giov anni

6 months ago

"Ancient Roman remains, now, where the Roman baths were there is a luxury spa"

Melissa “CAR TRAITEUR” Malouni

3 years ago

"La Tourreluque (from the Provençal word tourreluco, "watchtower") is a corner tower, a remnant of the rampart built in the Middle Ages around Provence. It served as a powder magazine. It adjoins the Aix-en-Provence theme park, of which it is the northern boundary. The construction of this tower occurred at a time when insecurity reigned in the city, and Aix surrounded itself with a rampart to protect its inhabitants. This rampart is flanked by towers, of which La Tourreluque is the only remaining remnant. It's truly beautiful and worth a visit."

Carol Cobalt

3 years ago

"You can get a good look at it from the outside as you walk past."