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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The house at 20 rue de l'Hirondelle, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, is a historical monument built in the 17th century. This building is distinguished by a protected architectural element: a bas-relief representing a salamander, located above a door overlooking the inner courtyard. This ornamental detail, typical of 17th century art, led to its listing in the inventory of Historic Monuments by decree of 15 February 1926.

The bas-relief of the salamander, a symbol often associated with Francis I but also present in the iconography of the Renaissance and 17th century, bears witness to the importance attached to the ornamentation of private facades in Paris during this period. Although available sources do not specify the identity of the sponsor or artist, this decoration reflects the taste of the time for iconic motifs and mythological or alchemical references.

The location of this monument, in the historic district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, reinforces its heritage interest. This sector, marked by a strong concentration of private hotels and old houses, illustrates the aristocratic and bourgeois urbanization of Paris under the Ancien Régime. The accuracy of the current location is estimated as passable (level 5/10), based on data from the Merimée database, which may indicate minor uncertainties about its exact location over the centuries.

Unlike other Parisian monuments, this house does not seem open to the public for regular visits, space rentals or tourist accommodation. The practical information available is limited to its status as a protected monument and its location, without mentioning specific contemporary uses. The main sources, such as Monumentum and the internal data of the Merimée base, confirm its heritage importance without providing additional details about its history or past occupants.

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