Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The College of Mauriac was founded in 1560, when it was founded by Guillaume Duprat, then bishop of Clermont. This monument, located in the city of Mauriac, is marked by a monumental door that originally constituted the entrance to the chapel. This door, moved to become the main access of the establishment, is distinguished by its full arch hanger supported by two footers, framed by four Corinthian columns arranged in pairs. The latter are based on pedestals and support a classic entanglement, while the wooden vantals, decorated with geometrical motifs and iron nails, complement this remarkable architectural ensemble.

The monumental gate, including its vantals, was inscribed as a Historical Monument by order of 21 June 1927. It represents an architectural testimony of the seventeenth century, when it was built. Stylistic details, such as Corinthian columns and vantal decorations, reflect the classical influences of the time. Today, this college, owned by the commune of Mauriac, retains this gate as a major heritage element, although its precise location is considered satisfactory a priori according to the criteria of geographical precision.

Guillaume Duprat, founder of the college, was an influential ecclesiastical figure of his time. Bishop of Clermont, his initiative to create this institution in the 16th century is part of an educational and religious development in Auvergne. The door, although after the foundation, symbolizes the importance attached to architecture and the beautification of teaching places during the following centuries. Its classification as Historic Monuments underscores the heritage value of this element, the only protected architectural vestige of the original ensemble.

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