Saint-John’s Tower

Welcome to one of the city’s liveliest spots. It’s steeped in history, and it’s made up of two squares: the one you’re in, Saint-Jean-le-Vieux Square, and Pie Square, a little further on. On your left, right in the middle of the square, you’ll see a remarkable tower, dating back to the 16th century. It was once part of the Livrée de Florence, a building occupied by the city’s cardinals. Cardinals were chosen by the Pope as advisors. They were thus high-ranking figures in the Catholic Church, and they lived with their family in mansions or other prominent buildings in the city. The one here was formerly a commandery. The cardinals only moved in when the pope relocated from Rome to Avignon. Later, in 1793, the building was turned into military barracks, and then a school in 1833. Sixty years later, the decision was made to demolish it to open up the city. Only the tower was spared and it’s all that remains today. Everything else was torn down to create this charming square, along with the one a little further on, Pie Square. Let’s take a closer look!