Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house at 16 Rue du Château-du-Roi in Cahors is a 17th-century civil building. It is distinguished by a walnut door opening in three parts, embellished with an imposte. This door is decorated with mouldings forming square and rectangular panels, fixed by round-headed nails. The carved motifs inside the panels, as well as the rinsels decorating the impression and the cross-section, testify to a neat craftsmanship. These decorative elements, typical of the period, reflect the influence of Baroque and classical architectural styles in vogue in southwestern France.

Classified as a Historical Monument by order of 6 October 1925, this house illustrates the urban heritage of Cahors, a city marked by its medieval history and its commercial role in the region. The protection concerns the door specifically, emphasizing its artistic and historical interest. Although current GPS coordinates suggest an approximate address (63 Rue du Château-du-Roi), the archives of the Merimée base confirm its initial location at number 16. This may be explained by later urban changes or transcription errors.

The choice of walnut, a wood locally available, and the quality of the sculptures indicate that this house probably belonged to an affluent family, possibly linked to the trade or administration of the city. At that time, Cahors was an important economic hub, thanks in particular to vine cultivation and the wine trade. Bourgeois houses, like this one, served both as a residence and as a place of reception, reflecting the social status of their owners. The door, the most decorated element, was often designed to impress visitors and assert a certain prosperity.

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