THE BUTTER TOWER
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The Butter Tower in Rouen, rumoured to have inspired the design of the famous Chicago building.
What is the origin of the name of the south tower of the cathedral? Some say that the name "Beurre" (butter) comes from the yellow colour of its stones. But most historians agree on another anecdote: the tour de Beurre would have been financed by the "indulgences of Lent". And what’s more? It means that the rich faithful gave money to the church to authorise themselves and to receive forgiveness in advance for the butter and other dairy produce consumption during Lent! The first stone of tour du Beurre was laid in 1485 and construction was only completed in 1206. Its architecture remains debated, the dilemma is whether the top of the tower was equipped with an arrow or a crown. What’s the outcome? You just have to raise your eyes! Admire the tower because rumour has it that it would have inspired the designer of Chicago’s famous building, the Tribune Tower. Let’s not be afraid to admit it: Rouen’s architecture shines around the world!
