Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building of Morlaix, dated from the 16th century, was rebuilt after the destruction of the affluent districts of the city by the English armies in 1522. It is part of a homogeneous set of houses built on narrow plots, following strict architectural rules to harmonize the neighborhood. Its originality lies in its tripartite plan, divided by a covered inner courtyard (often wrongly called "lantern"), a singularity typical of Morlaix.

Inside, a central helical staircase serves the floors and side rooms via layings (bridges), an urban adaptation of noble manors. The building retains traces of its original decoration: monumental chimneys, adorned fountain, and fragments of paintings on beams and frames. Initially combining habitat and commerce, these functions are now physically separated.

Ranked as a Historic Monument in 1998, the building illustrates the adaptation of aristocratic architecture (like screw stairs) to urban constraints. Its location in the city centre (14 Great Street) and its state of conservation make it a key witness to the post-medieval history of Morlaix, between reconstruction and architectural innovation.

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