Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The hospital of Montignac-Lascaux, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, is now known for a remarkable architectural element: a chimney strain in the shape of an octagonal turret, covered by a pyramid. This element, originally integrated into the hospital building, was moved to the boys' school, built much later. Its style, not widely used in Périgord, reflects external architectural influences or a desire for local distinction.

The chimney, classified as Historic Monument by order of 22 August 1949, is the only protected vestige of this ensemble. Its transfer to a later school building suggests a pragmatic reuse of heritage, common in small municipalities where resources were limited. The current location, at 357 A Place Tourny, corresponds to the school of boys, property of the municipality of Montignac-Lascaux (code Insee 24291), in the Dordogne department.

The monument illustrates the constructive practices and functional adaptations of public buildings in rural areas. In New Aquitaine, medieval hospitals often played a central role in assisting the poor and the sick, while serving as a meeting place for local leaders. The chimney, by its octagonal design, could evoke models used in neighbouring areas or by travelling artisans, although the sources do not specify its exact origin.

Today, access to this heritage remains uncertain: the available data do not mention any openness to the public or tourist development projects. The accuracy of its location is considered "a priori satisfactory" (note 6/10), indicating an approximate knowledge of its current location. Photographs, such as Michel Chanaud's Creative Commons license, document his condition without revealing other historical elements.

The inscription of 1949 concerns only the stack strain, excluding the rest of the hospital or school building. This choice reflects a targeted protection policy, frequent for outstanding but isolated architectural elements. No information is available on any other remains of the original hospital, its functioning or historical occupants.

External links