Saint-Côme hotel, Private mansion and lecture hall in central Montpellier, France.
The Saint-Côme hotel is a private mansion and former teaching facility with a distinctive octagonal design topped by a dome in central Montpellier. It features a courtyard that separates two main sections and emphasizes the building's educational layout.
The building was founded in 1747 when a prominent surgeon provided funds to construct an amphitheater for the College of Surgery. It remained an important site for anatomical teaching until 1794, when it merged with the medical faculty.
The building once served as a center for medical learning where students gathered to observe anatomical demonstrations in its theatrical spaces. The layout and design still reflect that teaching purpose from centuries ago.
Access is available during business hours when the Chamber of Commerce and Industry occupies the building. The courtyard is open to visitors and offers a good view of the architecture without requiring special arrangements.
The octagonal amphitheater was designed as an improved version of a Parisian model and followed specific requirements from its founder. This thoughtful design for medical observation is rare in its execution and made the building an important source of inspiration for similar structures.
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