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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Hotel de Rozel is an emblematic civilian building in Nîmes, located at the intersection of Rue de la Violette and Rue Regale. Partially built in the 17th century (falls on courtyard dated 1620), it was profoundly redesigned in the 18th century, especially in 1774 for its facades on street. Its architecture is distinguished by a unified treatment of the two streets, thanks to their open angle, and by careful ornamental details: oval medallion on the gate, wrought iron balcony, and Corinthian capitals surrounding the entrance of the stairwell.

The history of the building was marked by its acquisition in 1759 by Pierre de Rozel, a Nîmes magistrate, followed by a reconstruction in 1773. The facades and roofs, of great regularity, have been listed as historical monuments since 1984. Inside, the courtyard reveals remarkable decorative elements: arches in basket handle, haze decorated with vegetal motifs, and an ancient marble statue embedded in the wall. These features illustrate the influence of classical and Baroque styles in Provencal urbanism of the time.

The portal, made of cut stone, opens under an arch in a basket handle surmounted by a cartridge decorated with volutes and garlands. The arch key has an oval medallion framed by ribbons, while the balcony, supported by consoles carved from bud falls, dominates the street. At the back, the courtyard façades preserve remains of the three original houses, including a Corinthian door and daisies decorated with daisies. These details reflect the local craftsmanship and the social status of successive owners.

The building also incorporates ancient elements, such as a white marble statue representing a tunic character, inserted into the wall of Rue Regale. This mix of epochs reflects the historical richness of Nîmes, where the Roman heritage borders the achievements of classical centuries. Today, the Hotel de Rozel remains a preserved example of the civil architecture of Languedoc-Roussillon, accessible from the Merimée base and enhanced by the local tourist office.

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