Timeline

Origin and history

The building of 95 rue du Gros Horloge in Rouen is an emblematic civil building of the first half of the 16th century, built between 1525 and 1530. Contemporary to the famous Gros Horloge, it illustrates the nascent Renaissance architecture in a city then booming economically and culturally. Its decor, considered remarkable, bears witness to the know-how of the Rouenese artisans of the time, mixing late Gothic influences and new motifs inspired by Italy.

Ranked Historic Monument by order of 28 March 1959, the building is protected for its facades on street and roof, elements considered representative of the built heritage of Rouen. However, the accuracy of its location remains poor (note 5/10), with an approximate address suggested at 70 rue du Gros-Horloge according to GPS coordinates. No information is available on its current use (visit, rental, etc.), but its state of conservation and ranking make it a key witness to the urban history of Rouen.

The Seine-Maritime, of which Rouen is the prefecture, was in the Renaissance a major commercial crossroads, drawn by river traffic and trade with England. Buildings like this, often built by local merchants or notables, reflected this prosperity. Their careful decor served both as a social affirmation and as a highlight of the neighbourhood, dominated here by the iconic Gros Horloge, symbol of municipal power since the 14th century.

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