Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building in Nîmes, dating from the 15th and 17th centuries, is a remarkable architectural complex composed of two inner courtyards. The eastern part, delimited by a large staircase, housed in the 15th century a lodge of merchants, mentioned in 1441 as the lodge of Lombards. A surviving window, probably dating from 1404-1441, bears witness to this commercial period. This place then served as a point of exchange and meeting for traders, reflecting the flourishing economic activity of Nîmes at that time.

The western part, between the second courtyard and Place des Halles, includes a gallery staircase built before 1658. This staircase, with straight flights and symmetrical square balusters, is illuminated by superimposed crawling arches. The configuration of the premises, with its corridors and side entrances, shows a complex spatial organization, adapted to commercial and residential uses. In the 19th century, a shed reduced the size of the inner courtyard, partially changing the original layout.

Ranked Historic Monument in 1972 for its facades, roofs and stairways with its galleries, the building illustrates the architectural and urban evolution of Nîmes. Its history combines commercial (loge des Lombards) and residential functions, while bearing traces of subsequent transformations. The accuracy of its location remains medium (level 5/10), and its current property belongs to a private company, limiting its public access.

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