Commanderie Saint-Jean, Medieval commandery in Strasbourg, France.
The Commanderie Saint-Jean is a complex of multiple buildings constructed between the 14th and 18th centuries in Strasbourg and located on Rue Sainte-Marguerite. The site now houses the National School of Administration, with a modern extension added in 2011 that features a plant-covered facade.
The Knights of the Order of Saint John took possession of the complex in the 14th century and established a hospital there in 1520. The site later served as a prison from 1744 to 1988, before archaeological digs uncovered Gallo-Roman remains and medieval underground galleries.
The facade features a Renaissance trompe-l'oeil painting around its central gate, which reflects the artistic style of the 16th century. This decorative technique gives the entrance a distinctive visual quality that catches your eye as you approach.
Visitors should be aware that access is limited since the complex is an active educational institution and not freely accessible to the public. The best time to photograph the facade and its artistic details is during daylight hours when light illuminates the architecture well.
The site concealed medieval underground galleries for centuries until archaeological excavations revealed them after the building ceased being a prison. These hidden passages demonstrate how the complex was expanded and adapted to serve different purposes over the centuries.
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