Start of work 1680 (≈ 1680)
Construction of the neighbourhood started.
4e quart XVIIe siècle - XVIIIe siècle
Construction period
Construction period 4e quart XVIIe siècle - XVIIIe siècle (≈ 1787)
Gradual completion of the wings and arrangements.
31 décembre 1946
First protection
First protection 31 décembre 1946 (≈ 1946)
Registration of facades and roofs of pavilions.
7 février 2012
Extension of protection
Extension of protection 7 février 2012 (≈ 2012)
Listing of the three wings and total plate.
9 août 2018
Protection of the Saint-Nicaise Pavilion
Protection of the Saint-Nicaise Pavilion 9 août 2018 (≈ 2018)
Registration of the pavilion and its outbuildings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The facades, roofs and chimney stumps of the former officers' pavilions: inscription by order of 31 December 1946 - The former Schramm district, 33rd-R-I square, comprising the three wings of the barracks, the total plate of the district, its gates and fences, in full (Box BD 309): inscription by order of 7 February 2012; The Saint-Nicaise pavilion of the Schramm district in its entirety, as well as the walls of the enclosure and the gate not yet protected, located 2 rue Sainte-Claire, on plot No. 308, appearing in the cadastre section BD: inscription by order of 9 August 2018.
Key figures
Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban - Military engineer
Inspiring applied architectural principles.
Origin and history
The former Schramm district, located in Arras, is a military complex built between the last quarter of the seventeenth century and the eighteenth century. This cavalry district, whose work began in 1680, is distinguished by an innovative architecture for the time. It initially consists of four wings arranged around an inner courtyard, one of which has now disappeared. Two buildings overlook the current course of Verdun (old ditch), while the rear wings, pierced by many openings, opened onto private properties. The spatial organization reflects a desire for rationalization, typical of the principles defended by Vauban, with a multiplication of stairs to optimize the movement of soldiers.
The Schramm district design is part of a modern military logic, combining functionality and efficiency. The facades, roofs and chimney stumps of the officers' pavilions, as well as the wings of the barracks, were the subject of successive protections under the Historic Monuments (1946, 2012, 2018). The site also includes defensive elements such as enclosure walls and portals, demonstrating its strategic role. Owned by the municipality of Arras, this district illustrates the architectural heritage of Vauban, Marquis and military engineer, whose influence has long-term marked French military planning.
The legal protections now cover several parts of the neighborhood, including the Saint-Nicaise Pavilion and its outbuildings, registered in 2018. These measures highlight the heritage value of a combination of technical innovation and adaptation to the logistical needs of troops. Although partially modified over the centuries, the Schramm district remains an emblematic example of the Greater Century's case architecture, reflecting the evolution of military practices under the Old Regime.
