Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The house at 12 rue d'Engueysse in Albi is a remarkable example of 17th century civil architecture. Its facade in wooden panels presents a complex geometric decoration, composed of diamond crosses crossed by crosses of Saint Andrew. This arrangement creates a visual game where smaller diamond trees appear inside the large ones. The upper floors, in corbellation, are supported by reinforced legs, while the wooden carcass is lined with painted bricks forming a colourful mosaic.

On the first floor, the diamond decoration appears only at the ends, leaving room for cross panels of Saint Andrew in the center. The lintel of the door is decorated with a badge bearing a Latin inscription, adding a touch of elegance to the whole. The roof, supported by reinforced arms, crowns this building that combines functionality and aesthetics. The façade was classified as Historic Monument by order of 20 December 1924, recognizing its heritage value.

The house illustrates the know-how of the Albige artisans of the time, combining traditional wooden construction techniques and careful decoration. The painted bricks, arranged in mosaic, bear witness to an extensive aesthetic research, characteristic of bourgeois or artisanal houses of this period. The corbeling of the upper floors, typical of medieval and reborn architecture, allows to enlarge the living space without encroaching on the public road.

The exact address, 12 rue d'Engueysse, places this monument in the historic heart of Albi, a city known for its rich architectural heritage. The accuracy of its location is assessed as fair, with approximate GPS coordinates pointing to the same street. This building, although protected, does not appear to be open to the public on a regular basis, making it a discreet but valuable part of the Albige urban landscape.

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