Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house at 5 rue des Lombards in Nîmes is a civil building whose first certified owners date back to 1671. However, the construction of the wrought iron balcony, the most remarkable architectural element, was dated back to 1783, as evidenced by the stylistic features of the façade and ironworks. This detail suggests a significant renovation or addition at the end of the 18th century, when Nîmes, then in full economic expansion, saw a proliferation of bourgeois houses adorned with open balconies.

The facade of the house is distinguished by its four bays aligned per floor, framing an entrance door flanked by two shops on the ground floor. The balcony on the first floor, located above this door, has a rigorous geometrical composition: three panels (two side squares and one central rectangular) decorated with dissymmetric volutes at the ends and symmetrical on the vertical axis. The central panel features an oval medallion with HH initials overtaking two intersect anchors, often associated with trade or navy. This medallion is supported by two adjacent C letters, linked to branched volutes converging towards a spiral pattern, while the side panels display seven petal floral crowns.

Among the notable architectural details, a carved stone of a dove is embedded in the haze between the two left windows, adding a symbolic touch to the whole. The balcony, classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 19 March 1964, illustrates the handicrafts except for the 18th century Nîmes blacksmiths, as well as the influence of classical and rococo motifs in the ornamentation of urban facades. Its state of conservation and its location in the city centre make it a representative example of the civil heritage of Nîmes, marked by the trade and beautification of the streets under the Old Regime.

The precise address of the house, 5 rue des Lombards, corresponds to the code Insee 30189 of the commune of Nîmes, in the department of Gard. Although the accuracy of its location is considered fair (note of 5/10), available sources, including the Merimée database and Monumentum data, confirm its protected element status. No information is provided on its accessibility to the public, its current purpose (housing, commerce, etc.), or any services offered (visits, rentals).

External links