Domed Church Tower, Collioure, France

The harbor of Collioure in the south of France has been watched over by this tower since the 13th century. Its days as a defensive fort are long in the past, though, and it's seen some makeovers since. It was converted to a church bell tower in 1693 after about 400 years of military use, and its distinctive domed top was added even later in 1810. Decades after, the tower earned a place in art history as the subject of an 1887 painting by Paul Signac, who pioneered the pointillism technique alongside Georges Seurat.

The tower now functions as the bell tower for the Église Notre-Dame-des-Anges, which is built directly on the water’s edge. This church was constructed on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple, showcasing a distinctive Southern Gothic architectural style. Its unusual position allowed it to serve as both a spiritual center for the community and a maritime landmark, guiding ships into Collioure's sheltered harbor. The enduring character of Collioure, shaped by its history as a fishing port and military outpost, continues to attract artists and visitors drawn to its unique light and coastal environment.