Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Maison de la Sirène, located in Collonges-la-Rouge, is an emblematic 16th century building, classified as a Historic Monument. It is distinguished by its architecture typical of the late Renaissance, combining stone ground floor and corbelled floor with apparent wooden panels. The covered porch, characteristic of medieval houses, allows for a sheltered passage under the structure, while the entrance door, dated from the 15th century, features a fine mullure surmounted by a brace decorated with a carved mermaid, a rare symbol for the time.

The opening above the covered passage presents delicate crucifixes, and the circular staircase in red stone, a local material emblematic of Collonges-la-Rouge, reinforces the chromatic harmony of the whole. The facades and roofs were classified in 1949 for their heritage value, while the entire house (excluding classified parts) was listed in 2011. A communal property, this monument illustrates both local craftsmanship and the architectural influences of the transition between the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The location of the Maison de la Sirène, at 7bis Rue de la Barrière, makes it a central point of the village, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Its name comes from the mermaid sculpture adorning the door accolade, a rare decorative element that may evoke local legends or distant maritime influences, although Collonges-la-Rouge, located in Corrèze, is far from the coast. The accuracy of its location is estimated a priori satisfactory, according to the Merimée data.

The protected elements include facades, roofs, and the entire structure excluding parts already classified. The house could today be used for a variety of purposes (visits, room rental, or guest rooms), although the source text does not specify its current assignment. Its state of conservation and accessibility contribute to its tourist development in a region rich in medieval and reborn heritage.

External links