House Grand Ry, building in Eupen, Belgium
House Grand Ry is a brick building in Eupen designed by architect Johann Joseph Couven and completed between 1761 and 1763, featuring a U-shaped layout with three wings surrounding a paved courtyard. The structure displays two stories with a mansard roof, blue stone base, decorated window frames, and three roof gables, with the central gable featuring a Cerberus sculpture.
Commissioned in 1761 by wealthy fabric manufacturer Nikolaus Joseph Grand Ry, the house was designed to reflect his wealth and status through its architectural grandeur. Later, starting in the late 1800s, it served as a post office until 1984, when it became the seat of the German-speaking Community of Belgium.
The house takes its name from Nikolaus Joseph Grand Ry, a wealthy fabric manufacturer whose family shaped the town's textile industry. It stands as a reminder of how merchant families influenced the development and character of Eupen during the 18th century.
The house is located on Klötzerbahn street in the heart of Eupen's old town and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can view the exterior facade and courtyard, though the interior is used as an administrative office and is not open for tours.
The central roof gable features a sculpture of Cerberus with hellhounds, a rare architectural detail that reflects the influence of French design styles on this ambitious mansion. This mythological element underscores the owner's effort to showcase wealth and refined taste.
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