Hôtel de Roaldès, Medieval house in Cahors, France
Hôtel de Roaldès is a private house in Cahors featuring a Renaissance facade with sculptured windows built on prism-shaped bases and decorated eaves along Rue des Pénitents. The building stands as a classified historical monument visible from the street, though visitors cannot access the interior.
The building gained prominence when King Henri IV stayed there in 1580 during the Wars of Religion following his capture of Cahors with Huguenot forces. The Roaldès family purchased the property in 1661 and maintained connection to it for centuries afterward.
The house displays architectural details that reveal how wealthy families wanted to present themselves during the Renaissance, with elaborate decorations that showcased their status and taste. The space reflects the values of a prosperous merchant class who invested in their homes as symbols of success.
The house is located on Rue des Pénitents in Cahors and can be observed from the street where the exterior is fully visible. Walking through the neighborhood allows you to see the facade details up close and appreciate the craftsmanship of the stone work.
The house served as a shelter for King Henri IV during a pivotal moment in France's religious conflicts when the monarch needed refuge during his military campaign. This royal connection elevated its status as a landmark tied to a turning point in the kingdom's history.
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