Montmajour Abbey - The Pons de L'Orme Tower (14th Century)

The Pons De L'Orme Tower (14th Century)

The tower was built by Abbot Pons de l'Orme beginning in 1369 to protect the Abbey from the rampaging Grand Compagnies (see chronology.) The tower is 26 meters high, and contained a well and a storeroom for provisions, and three floors in the upper level. The top is equipped with battlements, arrow slits and machicolation, designed to drop unpleasant things on the heads of attackers. The coat of arms of the Abbot, an elm tree with two angel-monks, is carved on the outside of the tower.