Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The town hall of Sarlat-la-Canéda stands on the Place de la Liberté, in the heart of a city shaped by its historical opposition between bourgeois and abbots. Founded around Saint-Sauveur Abbey in the 9th century, Sarlat saw its inhabitants organize themselves in consulates as early as 1223 to claim urban rights. The consuls, representing four quarters, obtained in 1298 recognition of their autonomy through the Book of Peace, ratified by Philip IV in 1299. This law grants them the right to legislate, to manage public works (like the city's enclosure, built between 13th and 14th centuries), and to share justice with the abbey.

The original consular house, acquired in 1273 and located at the present location, was rebuilt between 1623 and 1625 by Saintongese architect Henry Bouyssou, for 45,000 pounds. The works, supervised by François de Gérard (Lieutenant General du Périgord), transform the building into a symbol of municipal power. In 1652, during the Fronde, the hotel was occupied by Condé's troops. In the 18th century, the west facade was remodeled (1775): removal of turrets, addition of a bell tower and bas-reliefs, while the sills of windows disappeared.

The Revolution marked a turning point: in 1790, the town hall moved into the former episcopal palace, and the hotel became a bazaar and then a political club. Ranked a historic monument in 1947 for its facades and roofs, it was restored in 1899 by architect Queille. MP Pierre Sarrazin re-inaugurated him in 1900, returning him to his original position. Today, it bears witness to Sarlat's political and architectural evolution, from medieval consular struggles to his contemporary role.

The conflict between bourgeois and abbots, central in Sarlat's history, culminates with the assassination of Abbé Arnaud III of Stapon in 1273 and the creation of the bishopric in 1317 by the bubble Salvator Noster of Pope John XXII. These tensions, combined with the alliance of consuls with other cities (Figeac, Périgueux, Brive) in 1263, illustrate the quest for urban autonomy. The charter of 1299, respected until 1789, enshrines the victory of the bourgeois, limiting the abbatial power to the benefit of the king and the commune.

The architecture of the city hall reflects these historical strata: the 17th century structure, modified in the 18th century, incorporates missing defensive elements (tours) and civic symbols (clocher, lanternon). Its ranking in 1947 underscores its heritage value, linked to both the urban history of Sarlat and its role in revolts against ecclesiastical power. The successive restorations (including that of 1899) preserved this testimony of the political and social dynamics of the Périgord.

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