
Raised from 1530 to 1535 by the master mason Mathurin Berthomé on the foundations of a building of the fourteenth century, this "fortress of communal freedoms" is the former City Hall of Niort from the Middle Ages to the Revolution. It has this name to remind us that the mayor once had the right to bring justice. As such, two iron necklaces, fixed in the wall of the building, allowed to "pillage" the offender carrying a sign on his neck on which was mentioned his crime.
A lapidary and numismatic museum from 1887 to 1987, the Historical Monument is today the "Visual Arts Space" (place of temporary exhibitions on contemporary works).
Artists are present from Tuesday to Saturday from 13.00 to 19.30 (entrance is free).
Fixed telephone : +33 5 49 78 79 88
House and building
Registered monuments and sites
Conditions de visite : Unaccompanied tours
Conditions de visite : Guided tours