Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The building located 1 Rue Rousset in Sarlat-la-Canéda, dated the 15th century, is a preserved example of medieval civil architecture. Its facade preserves sill windows, characteristic of this period, while the stairway tower, crowned with mâchicoulis, illustrates the defensive devices still integrated into urban dwellings at that time. A turret in corbellation, adjacent to the upper part of the tower, highlights the ingenuity of the buildings of the era, with an overflowing cover on a narrow round road.

The entrance door, with pilasters, was redesigned in the 17th century, marking a later stylistic evolution. The original lauze covers, traditional materials of the region, were later replaced by mechanical tiles and slates, reflecting the technical adaptations over the centuries. The building was partially protected by an order of 26 February 1944, classifying its facades, roofs and stair tower as Historical Monuments.

Sarlat-la-Canéda, a prosperous medieval town thanks to trade and crafts, had many houses of this type, often linked to bourgeois or merchant families. These buildings served both as a place of residence, storage for goods, and sometimes as a workshop. Their architecture reflected both the social status of their owners and the defensive needs of a time when local conflicts were frequent.

The relative preservation of the original provisions of this building is a valuable testimony of construction techniques and urban lifestyle in the 15th century. The mâchicoulis and the round road recall that even in times of relative peace, security concerns remained present in housing development. Today, this architectural heritage contributes to the historic attractiveness of Sarlat, one of France's most beautiful detours.

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