Construction begins 1760 (≈ 1760)
First stone laid on May 27.
1763
Completion of building
Completion of building 1763 (≈ 1763)
Operational University until the Revolution.
1795
University closure
University closure 1795 (≈ 1795)
Replaced by a Central School.
2005
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 2005 (≈ 2005)
Total protection of the site and facilities.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The old university in its entirety, including the former anatomy amphitheatre, the court floor, the gate and everything that constitutes the point of the triangle surrounding the anatomy amphitheatre (Box AD 122 to 124): by order of 12 December 2005
Key figures
Comte de Mailly - Intendant du Roussillon
Sponsor of the building in 1760.
Lescure - Bridge and Chaussées Engineer
Author of neoclassical plans.
Origin and history
The former university of Perpignan, located at 1 rue du Musée, was built between 1760 and 1763 under the impulse of the Count of Mailly, intendant of Roussillon. The engineer Lescure, Bridges and Chaussées, designed the plans of this neoclassical building, inspired by the palaces and temples of the eighteenth century. The first stone was laid on 27 May 1760, and the university operated there until the French Revolution.
The establishment housed remarkable scientific facilities for the time: a plant garden, a natural history cabinet, an anatomy amphitheatre, and a public library. These installations reflected its key role in the dissemination of knowledge and the francization of Roussillon after its annexation to France in 1659. In 1795 the university was replaced by a Central School.
Ranked a historic monument in 2005, the building retains its original U-shaped plan, with a classic triangular front and Tuscan order. The wings, surmounted by one floor in the 19th century, frame a courtyard whose floor and grid are protected. Since 1980, the sites have housed the municipal archives of Perpignan, perpetuating its heritage and cultural vocation.
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