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Origin and history

Belvès Hall is an emblematic building located in the Dordogne department, on Place d'Armes, west of the old walls of the Castrum de Belvès. Built in the first half of the 15th century, it met a growing need for space to accommodate the markets and fairs of the city. Its strategic location, in front of the ramparts, reflects the economic expansion of Belvès after the Hundred Years War, during which time the existing squares (Peyrignac and the Verdier) became insufficient for commercial activities.

The history of the hall is closely linked to a judgment of the Council of State of 1456, issued by the king at the request of the consuls of Belvès. This decision formalizes the establishment of eight annual fairs in the city, suggesting that the construction of the hall was already completed or in the process of being completed. The building, rectangular, was originally built of wood and covered with canal tiles. A notable architectural detail is the presence of a pilori pillar at one of its angles, a symbolic element often associated with justice or public announcements.

The Hall was listed as historic monuments on December 6, 1948, recognizing its heritage value. Today, it remains a testament to the economic and social importance of Belves in the Middle Ages, as well as to the ingenuity of local consuls to adapt the city to the growing needs of its population. Its status as a communal property and its potential opening to the visit make it a place rooted in the collective memory of the Périgord.

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