Description of the attraction
The Clock Square in Avignon is called the heart of the city. Place de l'Orloge is located in the historical part of the city and has existed since antiquity. During the reign of the Romans, this place was a forum, in the Middle Ages it was a market square, and during the Great French Revolution it became a place of public executions.
The square got its name thanks to the chimes, which in the Middle Ages were placed on the Jacquemard tower of the 15th century. The tower is part of the city hall complex (the 19th century town hall, built to replace the 15th century town hall), and the clock is remarkable for moving figures above the dial and a melodic ringing that sounds every hour.
Currently, there are cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces on the square. Nearby there is a 19th century theater building. A colorful attribute of Clock Square is a carousel with horses, which invariably attracts the attention of children. The Square of Hours was chosen for their performances by street performers - musicians, jugglers, clowns.
Every July Avignon hosts the oldest theater festival in Europe, founded by Jean Vilar, the actor and director who founded the Marseille National Folk Theater. The festival has been held since 1947. During the festival, city squares, including the Place de l'Orloge, become open-air stage venues. However, the main stage of the festival is the courtyard of the Papal Palace, built in the XIV century, this place is recognized as one of the most prestigious European theater venues.
The fact that many celebrities have ever visited Avignon is evidenced by the surroundings of the Place des Hours - the windows of houses on the adjacent streets of Molière, Corneille and Mont are painted with their funny portraits.
In winter, Clock Square becomes the venue for the Christmas market.
