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Origin and history

The Maison des Têtes de Briançon is an iconic 17th century monument located in the upper town of Briançon. Composed of two bodies of buildings connected by a stairwell and a central courtyard, it is distinguished by its main five-level facade, decorated with busts in bas-relief representing the owner's family in regional costume. These sculptures, placed under the window supports, as well as the diamond dots, give the building a unique character. The interior preserves remarkable decorations, such as arch vaults in the vestibule, French ceilings in the corridors, and 18th century lambris.

The history of the house is marked by two major fires: that of 1624, which partially spared the structure (walls and shops on the ground floor), and that of 1692, after which it was one of the few buildings preserved in Briançon. The French ceilings, dated between these two events, bear witness to this period of reconstruction. In the 18th century, panels were added, enriching the interior decor. The façade on the rue de la Gargouille, redressed at the beginning of the 20th century, is inspired by the Maison des Têtes de Valence, with busts in briançonese cap representing the family owner.

Architecturally, the house combines functionality and aesthetics. The main building, with three square floors and a top, houses vaulted shops on the ground floor, while the staircase, with parallel flights and inclined cradles, illustrates remarkable craftsmanship. The caps of the bearings, inspired by Tuscan, Corinthian and ionic orders, highlight the classical influence. At the rear, an irregular elevation contrasts with the symmetry of the front façade, reflecting the successive adaptations of the building. Today, the house remains a valuable testimony to Briançon's urban history and its preserved architectural heritage.

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