Capitole de Toulouse (Toulouse City Hall), Toulouse (must see)
The Toulouse City Hall, commonly known simply as the Capitol, is the heart of the city鈥檚 administration.
While the site itself dates back to Roman times, the current building began construction in the 12th century. In 1096, Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, urged by the Pope, joined the Crusades. A few wars later, the count's power was diminished. The result of that was local "notables" forming a group of consuls 鈥� also known as 鈥渃apitouls鈥� 鈥� to govern the city. The city hall was initially built to house this chapter of governing magistrates.
Throughout history, the building underwent various transformations, notably in the 19th century when its surroundings and fa莽ade were redesigned. The latter, originally completed in 1750 in a Neoclassical style using pink brick, spans 135 meters and features eight columns representing the original eight capitouls. A significant addition 鈥� the bell tower atop the donjon 鈥� was made in 1873.
A donjon is not a dungeon, but a keep 鈥� the strongest part of a castle. The Toulouse Capitol's donjon has a dark past. In 1761, it played a part in the historic case of Jean Calas, an unlucky Protestant, who was interrogated there in connection with the false accusation of murder of his Catholic son. Later, the place housed the city archives, it today serves as the tourist office.
Despite numerous renovations, some parts of the building retain their medieval ambiance. One such is the Henri IV courtyard 鈥� the site of the execution of the Duke de Montmorency, the enemy of Cardinal Richelieu. He was beheaded in 1632.
Once inside, the Hall of Illustrious must not be missed. It showcases 19th-century art, notably the paintings of Paul Gervais and Henri Martin, among others. The room is over 60 meters long and, apart from paintings, is filled with sculptures and stunning murals dedicated to the famous historical people and events of Toulouse. These include the Cathar period, the early Counts, and the sieges of Toulouse, as well as the Floral Games which were poetry competitions held in May since 1324.
Today, apart from accommodating the City Hall, the Capitol also houses the Capitol Theater Opera Company and Orchestra. The adjacent Capitol Square was redesigned in 1995 to prioritize pedestrian use.
While the site itself dates back to Roman times, the current building began construction in the 12th century. In 1096, Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, urged by the Pope, joined the Crusades. A few wars later, the count's power was diminished. The result of that was local "notables" forming a group of consuls 鈥� also known as 鈥渃apitouls鈥� 鈥� to govern the city. The city hall was initially built to house this chapter of governing magistrates.
Throughout history, the building underwent various transformations, notably in the 19th century when its surroundings and fa莽ade were redesigned. The latter, originally completed in 1750 in a Neoclassical style using pink brick, spans 135 meters and features eight columns representing the original eight capitouls. A significant addition 鈥� the bell tower atop the donjon 鈥� was made in 1873.
A donjon is not a dungeon, but a keep 鈥� the strongest part of a castle. The Toulouse Capitol's donjon has a dark past. In 1761, it played a part in the historic case of Jean Calas, an unlucky Protestant, who was interrogated there in connection with the false accusation of murder of his Catholic son. Later, the place housed the city archives, it today serves as the tourist office.
Despite numerous renovations, some parts of the building retain their medieval ambiance. One such is the Henri IV courtyard 鈥� the site of the execution of the Duke de Montmorency, the enemy of Cardinal Richelieu. He was beheaded in 1632.
Once inside, the Hall of Illustrious must not be missed. It showcases 19th-century art, notably the paintings of Paul Gervais and Henri Martin, among others. The room is over 60 meters long and, apart from paintings, is filled with sculptures and stunning murals dedicated to the famous historical people and events of Toulouse. These include the Cathar period, the early Counts, and the sieges of Toulouse, as well as the Floral Games which were poetry competitions held in May since 1324.
Today, apart from accommodating the City Hall, the Capitol also houses the Capitol Theater Opera Company and Orchestra. The adjacent Capitol Square was redesigned in 1995 to prioritize pedestrian use.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toulouse. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Capitole de Toulouse (Toulouse City Hall) on Map
Sight Name: Capitole de Toulouse (Toulouse City Hall)
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toulouse, France
Create Your Own Walk in Toulouse
Creating your own self-guided walk in Toulouse is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Tour
Toulouse's historical center is full of architectural marvels, many of which are churches. The variety of basilicas, cathedrals, and cloisters built in the city throughout the 11th-19th centuries is complemented by the richness of styles serving as a testament to both faith and craftsmanship.
The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Toulouse Introduction Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Toulouse Markets and Shopping Streets
Like many other cities in France and Southern France in particular, Toulouse boasts a delightful array of shopping areas. At Galeries Lafayette, a renowned department store, you can find exclusive French items for sale - no problem; however, to discover some truly great bargains 鈥� from organic vegetables to antiques, 鈥� a visit to Toulouse's street markets is a must.
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Architectural Jewels of Toulouse
It doesn't take an architectural expert to appreciate the beauty of Toulouse's historic buildings. Walking the city's streets one can't help admiring the galore of ancient architecture which has earned Toulouse, since as early as the 16th century, the title of "the most beautiful city in France".
Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Pub Crawl of Toulouse
There are some really great little pubs in Toulouse. This guide helps you find a few of the local favourites, one pint after the other. Discover good craic at Mulligans and The Killarney; be amazed at what's on tap at Bar l'Ancienne Belgique and Bar La Tireuse; and put the English back in...