Interieur Beffroi - ThionvilleThis triumphal structure recalls the municipal liberties granted by Count Henry of Luxembourg in the 13th century.
A watchtower, an annex of the town hall, a hospital for the poor, this yellow giant is one of the symbols of the city.
Beffroi de ThionvilleBuilt in the 19th century, it houses the Big Suzanne, a 2-tonne bell, the generous forms of which only the very luckiest visitors are able to see. The belfry’s rooms are open for events.
Beffroi de Thionville
Beffroi de Thionville
Beffroi de ThionvillePrussian artillerymen would have bet that they could cross, from side to side, the clock of the belfry with a single shell. They succeeded and destroyed, in passing, the entire upper part. The current clock was made in 1859 by Schwilgue.
Interieur Beffroi - ThionvilleTo reach the top of the Belfry, 134 steps separate us from the ground. The spiral staircase would almost make you dizzy!
It’s enormous! Its 2 tonnes are impressive. However, despite its huge weight, it is exceptionally delicate. As for all its makeshift compatriots, it is no longer the original model. Cast in 1619, it was recast in 1844 because of cracks which muffled its sound. Although it no longer rings, 2 tonnes does take some work, and the risk cannot be taken of cracks appearing in the belfry, therefore it remains one of the hidden symbols of its host.
Above the one also referred to as the bell of the bourgeoisie, there are three small bells. These may come from religious congregations. The oldest one rings the hours and dates from 1656. It bears a Christ on the cross. The second and smallest one, dates from 1689 and came from a tower on the city’s ramparts. The third one rings the half and quarter hours. It dates from 1746 and probably came from the Augustinian convent.
Interieur Beffroi - Thionville
Cloche du Beffroi de Thionville
