Collège des Oratoriens de Riom, Historic school building in Riom, France.
The Oratorian College is a 17th-century school building organized around a rectangular plan with two main wings arranged around an inner courtyard. The entrance is marked by an impressive doorway topped with a triangular pediment and flanked by Doric columns.
The college was founded in 1618 by a religious community to teach students in classical subjects and theology. Its physical structure was built during the 1660s and 1670s through major construction and renovation campaigns.
The building reflects the religious educational movement of the 17th century, which focused on teaching knowledge and moral values. Visitors can observe the orderly arrangement of spaces that reflected the teaching ideals of the period.
The building is located on Rue Marivaux in central Riom and is easily accessible on foot since it sits near other historical sites. Visitors should plan to view the exterior facade and entrance area, as it is a protected monument with limited public access.
The main entrance features an elaborate decorative cartouche displaying faces, foliage, and flower motifs. This sculptural ornament at the threshold provides a glimpse into the artistic preferences of the period when construction took place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.