Episcopal palace of Cornouaille, Episcopal palace near Saint-Corentin Cathedral, Quimper, France.
The episcopal palace of Cornouaille is a two-wing building standing next to Saint-Corentin Cathedral in Quimper. It catches the eye with its distinctive Renaissance spiral staircase tower, decorated with coats of arms and Breton heraldic symbols.
Construction started in 1507 under Bishop Claude de Rohan and the building was later expanded several times. After a fire in 1939, it was restored and has remained an important example of architecture spanning multiple centuries.
The palace now serves as the Breton Departmental Museum, where you can see regional artifacts and everyday objects from different periods. The displayed pieces tell stories about Brittany's past and how people here have lived over centuries.
The building is easy to reach from the town center and visitors can walk through various rooms including the former kitchen with its original structure. There is plenty of space to explore and the exhibition is well-organized to guide you through the rooms.
Inside, a spiral staircase features a carved ceiling shaped like a palm tree at its highest point, creating an unexpected detail. Another room displays frescos with painted architectural illusions that trick the eye and make the space feel larger than it actually is.
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