Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building on the Place Nationale in Montauban is part of a remarkable 16th century architectural ensemble. This historic monument is distinguished by its ground floor forming a double vaulted gallery on dogive crosses, while its three upper floors feature alternately rectangular and circular bays. Some houses in the square bear the dates of 1516 and 1556, attesting to their construction during this period. The Toulouse architect Pierre Besneville is at the origin of this ensemble, characterized by the almost exclusive use of the brick, with the exception of the keys of arches, vaults and window supports, made of another material.

The National Square illustrates the influence of Toulouse architecture in Montauban, with a harmony between Gothic elements (voûts on dogive crosses) and reborn (regular arrangement of facades). The facades and roofs overlooking the square were classified as Historic Monument by decree of 17 July 1920, highlighting their heritage value. The exact location of the building is the 2 National Square, in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne, in the Occitan region. Brick construction, a dominant material, reflects the local techniques and resources of the time.

The architect Pierre Besneville, originally from Toulouse, marked this project with his know-how, combining functionality (shopping galleries on the ground floor) and aesthetics (symmetry of the upper floors). Dates engraved on some houses (1516, 1556) suggest construction over several decades. Today, the building remains a major testimony of Renaissance urban planning and civil architecture in southwestern France.

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