Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house of Pilori is an emblematic building of the city of Joigny, in the department of Yonne, in the region Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Dating from the 16th century, it stands out as the most richly decorated wooden house in the city. Its facade, decorated with glazed tiles in bright colours (green, blue, yellow) and carved pillars representing saints, bears witness to a remarkable artisanal and artistic know-how for the time.

The 1970 restoration has preserved this heritage, whose façade has been classified as historical monuments since 9 August 1924. This classification underlines its architectural and historical importance, especially for its characteristic style of the 16th century, mixing wooden structure and ceramic decorations.

The sculptures on the façade represent three major religious figures: Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Martin and Saint John the Baptist. These iconographic choices probably reflect the influence of the Christian faith in everyday life and Renaissance art in Burgundy. The house thus embodies both an architectural heritage and a trace of the beliefs of its time.

Joigny, a medieval and reborn town, had many wooden houses, but the Pilori was distinguished by its state of conservation and the richness of its ornaments. Its name evokes the pillori, a public punishment instrument formerly present in cities, although the source text does not specify a direct link between this use and the current building.

The protection of 1924 and subsequent restoration illustrate the commitment of public authorities and local actors to safeguard this heritage. Today, the Pilori House remains a symbol of Joigny's artistic and urban past, attracting visitors with its unique authenticity and aesthetics.

External links