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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The building on the Place Nationale in Montauban is part of a remarkable 16th century architectural ensemble. This historic monument is distinguished by its ground floor forming a double vaulted gallery on dogive crosses, while its three upper floors feature alternately rectangular and circular bays. Some houses bear the engraved dates of 1516 and 1556, attesting to their construction during this period. The ensemble, designed by the Toulouse architect Pierre Besneville, is mostly built of brick, with the exception of the arch keys, vaults and window supports, made of another material.

The National Square, classified as a Historical Monument since 1917 for its facades and roofs, illustrates the influence of Renaissance architectural models in southwestern France. The regularity of the ordinances and the systematic use of the brick reflect a desire for urban harmony, characteristic of the market places or public places of the time. The architect Pierre Besneville, originally from Toulouse, applied geometrical and aesthetic principles that still mark today the landscape of Montauban, a city that was then growing economically and culturally.

The elements protected by the 1917 classification specifically include facades and roofs, highlighting their heritage value. Although the exact location is documented (8 National place), the mapping accuracy remains limited, as evidenced by the location rating estimated at 5/10 in the available sources. This monument, still visible today, offers a tangible testimony of the urban planning and civil architecture of the Renaissance in Occitanie.

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