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Origin and history

The house of the Solar Cadran is an emblematic medieval house located in Place de la Halle, in the village of Peruges (Ain, region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). Built in the 15th century, it is distinguished by its decorative sundial, a central element of its reputation. The latter, although not functional because of an incorrect orientation of the style, has a poetic inscription: "I will only mark you the hour of the good days". Around the sun, six signs of the zodiac (Taureau, Aries, Gemini, Cancer, Lion, Aquarius) are arranged in semi-circle, while in lower part there are two coats of arms: a modern variant of that of the Dombes (neighbouring region) and that of Peruges.

The building, whose facades have been inscribed in the Historical Monuments since November 14, 1927, illustrates the civil architectural heritage of the late Middle Ages. Today, the house houses a shop, perpetuating its anchor in local life. The sundial, in addition to its aesthetic role, reflects the astronomical and symbolic knowledge of the era, mixing practical (even defective) utility and decoration. Its style perpendicular to the wall, atypical, suggests an artistic will rather than a precise clock function.

The protection of the monument is part of a broader approach to preserving the village of Peruges, classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". The Halle Square, where the house stands, was historically a central place for exchanges and community life, reinforcing the heritage importance of this building. Blazons recall the feudal and territorial ties of the region, while zodiac signs evoke medieval agrarian beliefs and calendar.

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