Maison Rouge, palais à Albertville (Savoie)
Maison Rouge is a red brick palace located in Albertville, specifically in the medieval section called Conflans. The structure rises with sturdy brick walls and decorated ogival windows showing fine sculptural details typical of 14th century Gothic design.
The palace was built in 1397 by Pietro Voisin, treasurer to Count Amedeo VI of Savoy. It later served as a convent for Cistercian nuns following the French occupation in the 1600s, then transitioned to museum use starting in 1936 after the region became part of France.
The building takes its name from the red brick exterior, an unusual choice for Savoy at that time. This material preference reveals how the owner connected the region to Italian architectural traditions and set his residence apart from typical local structures.
The palace stands at Place de Conflans in the upper part of Albertville and is straightforward to find. Visiting hours align with the local museum, and staff members can provide details about the site's history if you ask questions during your visit.
The structure is also known as Palais Pisan, a direct reference to its Italian architectural influences from the time of its creation. This name points to design elements reminiscent of Pisa and Tuscany, making the site an architectural bridge between Savoy and Italy.
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