HouseBagnols-sur-ceze (30)

A 14th-century cardinal's residence and its inner courtyard in the oldest district of Bagnols-sur-Cèze. The house stands on a street running at right angles to the old Grand'Rue, crossing the historic centre from north to south. The French name of the street is that of the person who commissioned the building work. Of Italian origin, Cardinal Orsini was in office between the 13th and 14th centuries, playing a significant role under eight popes and directly influencing the appointment of several of these. He was quick to move to France, devoting most of his life to the country. When the papacy made Avignon its seat, it was only natural that Monsignor Orsini should settle in the region.
In 1321, he ordered the construction of a palace in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, of which only a few walls remain today. He played a crucial role for the city of Bagnols-sur-Cèze, initiating a number of defensive works, such as the creation of moats around the ramparts, and contributing to the restoration of the main hospital with a view to improving public health.
The southern elevation on the street side is partly rendered, revealing a dressed stone structure. The pedestrian doorway is topped by two large cross windows. Edged by a triple cornice of shortened tiles, the gable roof with monk-and-nun tiles conceals the rest of the property. Three additional buildings are arranged around a central courtyard, each of distinctive architectural interest. However, the most intriguing feature is to be found on the first floor, facing west: a “logette” (small cell-like room with a large window) built of terracotta brick supported by a chestnut beam, probably dating from the 16th century.
Behind the noble street facade, the other elevations of the house are of more rustic local stone. These walls are punctuated by large French windows allowing generous sunlight to pour into the various rooms of the dwelling. The living area extends over two levels above the cellars.