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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Maison du Portail, located at the corner of Jean-Cousin and the Republic streets in Sens, is one of the oldest half-timbered houses in the city, dated the 16th century. Built for tanner Nicolas Mégissier, it is also called the House of the Four Winds because of its location exposed to prevailing winds. Its alternative name, Abraham's house, comes from a popular confusion related to the tree of Jesse carved on its cornel post, representing the Virgin and eight kings of Israel. The tanners' working instruments, engraved on the half-timbers, recall the activity of its first owner.

The façade and roof of this house were listed as historic monuments in 1923, recognizing its heritage value. A remarkable architectural detail is the presence of a tree of Jesse, a rare medieval religious motif on a Renaissance civil house. Although rue Jean-Cousin pays tribute to the painter Jean Cousin (author of Eva Prima Pandora), the latter never lived in this dwelling. The house, bought by the town of Sens in the 20th century, now houses exhibitions within the framework of the Museums of Sens.

Sens, a city founded in Roman times, preserves a rich architectural heritage, including many classified or listed houses. The Maison du Portail illustrates this diversity, mixing medieval heritage (tree of Jesse) and Renaissance (float structure). Its early inscription (1923) underlines its importance in the urban history of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, an area marked by a strong artisanal and religious past.

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