Introduction :
Today, I present to you a new private mansion in Toulouse, just as fascinating for its architecture as for its history.
Architecturally, its magnificent facade is inspired by the " Palazzo Chigi " , located in Rome , Italy .
I suggest we set off together to explore this magnificent mansion .
History :
The Middle Ages :
Thanks to several donations made by the Toulouse family in the early 12th. century, " the Hospitaliers of " Saint-John of Jerusalem " , whose mission included welcoming pilgrims and providing care for the sick were able to establish themselves in Toulouse, in the district of the church of " Dalbade " .
Elevated to the status of a grand priory in 1315, it included a hospital, the church of the " Saint-Remy ", a cloister, a chapel , seven shops, a massive tower housing archives and relics, accommodations for the knights, tables and a cemetery with the earliest burials dating back to the 10th. or 11th. century .
In 1160, the Bishop of Toulouse, " Raymond IV " , granted the Hospitaliers permission to have a cemetery near their church.
After, excavations, the study of 1869 burials revealed the presence of vaults, collective graves, individual tombs, coffins, or simple single burials.
The population was predominantly male, along with 400 burials of children and adolescents.
At the Site of the former cloister , there is a spectacular sarcophagus .
The 17th. and 18th. century :
During the 15th. century , severe fires particularly affected this area of the city, as most buildings were made of wood, and the mansion of " Saint-John of Jerusalem " did not escape this disaster .
From 1668 , it was completely rebuilt.
The design of the building in the classical order is attributed to " Jean-Pierre Rivalz " , the official architect and painter of the city of Toulouse.
The first phase of construction focused on the street-facing facade.
In 1680, a second phase of work closed off the courtyard to the east with the construction of a building that included a vaulted stable and rooms for the students.
Most of the painted decorations are part of this find phase of construction .
Contemporary period :
From 1903 to 1986, the former priory was occupied by the School of Business.
In 1986 and 1990, a large part of the 17th. century building was classified or listed as historical monuments.
The entire complex was listed in 2015.
The Architecture of this mansion :
It is a late testimony to Renaissance and Classical architecture in Toulouse.
As we have seen, it was completely rebuilt in the 17th. century by the famous Toulouse architect " Jean-Pierre Rivalz " .
This mansion despite numerous subsequent renovations has remained largely intact.
The great achievement of this building is its splendid street-facing facade.
It stretches across 14 bays, punctuated by two magnificent gateways.
All the level of the upper floor named " nobles " , altering between triangular and curved pediments .
We can also observe the presence of numerous wrought-iron balconies.
The ornament of various families that distinguished themselves during the crusades are depicted there .
The imposing central portal is framed by two columns and topped with Doric frieze.
But the surprising feature of this mansion is that above stands the portal stands a "Maltese cross " .
Proof that this mansion has maintained a very close connection with the era of the crusaders throughout its history.
As you enter, you pass trough a monumental covered walkway.
Admire the magnificent craftsmanship of the vaulted ceilings .
You will arrive in a main courtyard reminiscent of an old cloister, with three arcades buildings.
Indeed, only the southern side consists of the walls of the neighboring " Dalbade church " .
Finally, inside this mansion houses numerous treasures such as murals, stunning wooden ceilings, and contemporary artworks .
In these photos, you can see old stables, along with numerous sarcophagi, although it is not entirely clear who is buried there !!! .
That all for today, my friends.
I hope that the architectural and historical exploration of the " Saint-Jean de Jerusalem " mansion has transported you back to the era the Crusaders !!! .
Welcome in Toulouse.
The blog from Toulouse.
Greeting, Franck .
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