Construction begins 1652 (≈ 1652)
Direction of Jean Rochas for the Cheilus family
1741
Become a common house
Become a common house 1741 (≈ 1741)
Part of the hotel used by the municipality
1973
Total acquisition by city
Total acquisition by city 1973 (≈ 1973)
Repurchase of remaining south wing
31 mars 2009
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 31 mars 2009 (≈ 2009)
Full site protection and decors
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The built and unbuilt parts of the Town Hall, in total, namely the central body, the north and south wings, including their appendices in return, the south-west wing, the fence wall of the court of honour with its gate and fountain, the grips of the court of honour, the other courtyards and gardens, the fountain of the garden (cf. AX 549, 638): by order of 31 March 2009
Key figures
Jean Rochas - Owner
Architect managing the construction in 1652
Famille de Cheilus - Initial owners
Private hotel sponsors in the 17th century
Origin and history
The town hall of Pernes-les-Fontaines is located in the former Hotel de Brancas-Cheilus, a private hotel built from 1652 under the direction of architect Jean Rochas. Originally owned by the Cheilus family, the building partially became a common house in 1741, before being fully acquired by the municipality in 1973. Its architecture, typical of the seventeenth century, includes a central body, U-wings, and remarkable interior decorations such as trompe-l'oeil painted ceilings and friezes inspired by ancient engravings.
Ranked a historic monument since 31 March 2009, the building retains original elements such as its large staircase, its courtyard of honor with gate and fountain, as well as rooms of appartment with preserved decorations. The Bancas Hall features a ceiling decorated with garlands and camaieu landscapes, while the council hall features mythological scenes and Cordoba leathers. Traces of older decorations, such as 17th century masks and busts, were rediscovered under later coatings. The southwest wing even houses a stucco dated 1790, remains of an ancient chapel.
The city hall illustrates the evolution of a private place in public space, reflecting the urban history of Pernes-les-Fontaines. Its classification protects the entire site, including gardens, courtyards, and major architectural elements. Sources also mention vaulted cellars and masonries prior to the main construction, highlighting the historical stratification of the building.
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