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Origin and history

The Hôtel-Dieu de Nîmes originated in 1313, when Raymond Ruffi founded a twelve-bed hospital. This hotel-Dieu, located in the city centre, functions as a hospital until 1934, passing through centuries marked by enlargements (as in 1483) and destructions, especially during the wars of Religion in the sixteenth century. The buildings were gradually rebuilt, with a chapel erected in 1660 and a cloister in 1663, while a monumental gate was added in 1740 by architect Dardalhon.

The current facade, the work of municipal architect Charles Durand, dates back to 1830 and forms part of a large quadrilateral building forming a U open on the Rue de la République. The ensemble includes a chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph, a large staircase and emblematic halls such as that of the sessions, now integrated into the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Nîmes. However, the monument suffered mutilation in the 20th century: destruction of the portal in 1937 and the cloister in 1978, despite its inscription in the Historical Monuments in 2000.

Originally, the Hôtel-Dieu performed a charitable and medical mission, welcoming the sick and poor of Nîmes. Its chapel, enriched by a Italian ceiling and a marble altarpiece signed Mazzety (1783), bears witness to its religious importance. After its closure in 1934, the site was reconverted in 1936 to house the ICC, marking a turning point in its history. Today's protected elements include the chapel, facades, the large staircase and the meeting room, thus preserving part of its architectural heritage.

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