Palais Jacques-Cœur, Gothic private mansion in Bourges, France
Palais Jacques-Cœur is a Gothic private residence in Bourges arranged around an interior courtyard with four distinct wings. Each room features intricate stone carvings, and fireplaces scattered throughout the building showcase the craftsmanship of medieval stonemasons.
Construction took place between 1443 and 1451 under the direction of wealthy merchant Jacques Cœur, one of the richest men in France at that time. The building was seized by royal order after its owner fell from favor, transforming it into a symbol of both fortune and loss.
The decorations throughout the rooms show scenes of daily life in the 15th century, offering a window into how people lived and worked at that time. These details reveal the habits and values of wealthy merchants who shaped the city's prosperity.
The building sits in the old town and is easily reached on foot from the city center. Plan to spend a relaxed afternoon walking through the rooms and courtyard, as it is a compact space that does not require extensive touring.
The residence was among the first buildings designed with deliberately separate pathways for ceremonial and private movement. This spatial arrangement reflected the social order of the time and represented an innovative approach to residential design.
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