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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The house of 3 Place Fontette, located in Caen in Calvados, is an emblematic 18th century building. It is distinguished by its facade wall, dated from the second half of this century, and decorated with balusters. This monument has been partially listed as a historical monument since June 1, 1927, especially for its architecture and pump fountain.

In 1761, sculpture work was under way on a well associated with this house. Three years later, in 1764, François-Jean Orceau de Fontette, then intendant of the generality of Caen, initiated a project to create fountains in the city. Although this project did not succeed as a whole, a fountain-pump was built on the newly built square by the intendant, facing the old courthouse.

The architecture of the house, with its decorated wall and fountain, reflects the 18th century urban developments in Caen. These elements, listed as historic monuments, reflect the importance attached to the beautification of the city under the leadership of the royal stewards. The house remains today a representative example of the Kenyan architectural heritage of this period.

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