Ancienne tannerie royale de Lectoure, 18th-century royal tannery in Lectoure, France.
The Ancienne tannerie royale de Lectoure is an 18th-century leather processing facility located at the foot of the city walls, featuring an entrance with a triumphal arch and semicircular stairs. The site contains 139 stone tanks of varying sizes that were essential for the leather tanning process.
The facility was built in 1754 by architect Pierre Racine for the Duclos brothers and granted royal status upon opening. It became a major production center employing around one hundred workers in leather manufacturing.
The tannery reflects how central leather production was to Lectoure's economy and daily working life. The numerous stone tanks scattered across the site show the scale of operations that once employed many local workers.
The main building and its architectural features, including the entrance arch and wrought iron staircase, have been protected as historical monuments since 2006. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and multiple levels throughout the site, which consists of several areas with tanks and pathways.
The north entrance displays an engraved inscription 'MANUFACTURE ROYALE' decorated with acanthus leaf carvings and topped with a stone royal crown. This carefully crafted symbol marked the importance and prestige of the operation.
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