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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Hotel de Saint-Astier is a mansion built in the 16th century in the centre of Périgueux, Dordogne, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It is distinguished by its Renaissance architecture, including its stone staircase, classified as historical monuments since 1923. Located on 2 rue de la Miséricorde, in the protected area of the city, it now belongs to a private property.

The construction of the hotel is attributed to the Chapon family of the building, which was the first owner. The building then changed hands, passing successively to the families of Alesmes, Abzac, and then Ribette. Its staircase, a central element of the house, is decorated with geometrical sculptures in bas-relief, columns with capitals and armorized lamp-ends, reflecting the artistic influence of the Renaissance.

The staircase, organised around a central vacuum, develops in an irregular quadrilateral. Its flights of steps and bearings, supported by ground columns and bandages, are decorated with caissons and ribs. Some elements, such as the shields, recall the heritage of the Building Chapon family. Although parts like guardrails have disappeared, the whole remains a remarkable testimony of 16th century civil architecture in Périgord.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1923 for its staircase, the Hotel de Saint-Astier illustrates the Renaissance heritage of Périgueux. Its location on the right bank of Isle, in a preserved area, reinforces its historical and architectural interest. Today, although privately owned, it contributes to the cultural richness of the city and the New Aquitaine region.

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