Timeline

Origin and history

The building at 14 Rue du Pilori in Bayonne is distinguished by its 14th century medieval cellar, organized around a palm-shaped central pillar. This pillar, unique of its kind, supports four arched bays with just chamfered edges. The trapezoidal plan of the cellar results from the constraint imposed by the two neighbouring cellars, forcing the builders to adapt the structure to optimize the available space.

The walls of the cellar incorporate niches and credences dug to maximize the usable surface, reflecting a typical architectural ingenuity of the Middle Ages. The vault keys, decorated with rings, add a decorative dimension to this functional space. Classified as a Historical Monument by order of 1 February 1988, this cellar (cadastre BX 61) illustrates the preserved underground heritage of Bayonne, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

The location of the building, in the heart of Bayonne, reflects the historical importance of this port and commercial city since the Middle Ages. Although geographical accuracy is considered "passable" (note 5/10), the exact address corresponds to 14 Rue du Pilori, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department (New Aquitaine region). No information is available about its access to the public or its current use.

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