Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The house at 17 rue de l'Horloge in Riom is a remarkable example of 16th and 17th century civil architecture. Its façade, classified as a Historic Monument since 1942, is distinguished by its classic three-storey style, topped by a triangular pediment. Architectural details, such as gargoyles sculpted to evacuate the chéneau water and bossing seats, reflect the construction techniques of the time. This facade, as well as the interior staircase, are the only elements accurately dated, representing a rare testimony of the riomois town planning of the Renaissance.

The rue de l'Horloge, where this house is located, is one of the most coherent monumental ensembles of Riom, a city marked by its past as judicial and administrative capital of Lower Auvergne. The building is part of an urban context where civil architecture develops alongside religious and public buildings, reflecting the economic and cultural prosperity of the region. The materials used, such as the cut stone in bossing, and the decorative elements underline the influence of Italian classic models, distributed in France from the 16th century onwards.

The designation of the façade as Historic Monuments in 1942 is a testament to its heritage value, although the available sources do not specify any changes over the centuries. Gargoyles, besides their practical function, add a sculptural dimension that recalls the importance attached to ornamentation in Renaissance architecture. Today, the building, located in an area with a geolocalized location as 'passable' (note 5/10), remains a major visual landmark in the historic centre of Riom, despite the lack of information on its accessibility or current use.

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