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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The former court of the Bailiwick of Châtillon-sur-Marne is a building built between 1660 and 1670, during the second half of the 17th century. This building, characteristic of the judicial architecture of the time, initially housed the functions of bailiffing. At the French Revolution, it was sold as a national property to an individual, before being bought in 1858 by the commune to become the city hall. His spaces were also used as school rooms, post office (1853), gendarmerie (1867) and telegraph office (1869).

The monument preserves remarkable elements of its original construction, such as the stone staircase decorated with coats of arms held by a lion, typical of the 17th century large stairs. The large fireplace, with its decorated fog, is inspired by the aristocratic models of the time. These elements, as well as the stairwell and its doors, have been protected since 2012 by an inscription as historical monuments. The building thus illustrates the evolution of the public use of a judicial building under the Old Regime until the 19th century.

The building, located 4 rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, now belongs to the municipality. His history is documented in local works, such as the History of Châtillon-sur-Marne (1881) by Angel Remy, which also evokes illustrious figures related to the seigneury of Châtillon. Its recent ranking underscores its heritage value, both for its architecture and for its role in the administrative and social life of the city.

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