Ancien Hôtel de Ville: Annecy's Historic Old Town Hall
Located at 14 Place Notre-Dame, the Ancien Hôtel de Ville is a grand historical landmark whose impressive facade once housed the city's government. This building has a rich and varied history, reflecting the changing needs of Annecy over the centuries.
A Multifaceted History
The Ancien Hôtel de Ville stands on a site once occupied by a medieval oratory. Before 1770, the structure served a dual function, housing both a hospital and a meeting chamber for the municipal council. After its elegant façade was reconstructed in 1770, the building was dedicated exclusively to civic administration, serving as Annecy's official town hall.
Architectural Elegance
The building's 1770 façade is considered elegant and atypical. It features a triangular pediment crowned with decorative 'fire pots' (pots de feu). The wrought iron staircases leading to its porch are particularly noteworthy. They are adorned with the trout, an emblem from Annecy's coat of arms, and their exceptional quality was recognized by the famous 19th-century English art critic, John Ruskin.
From Civic Center to Curacy
The building's role as the town hall concluded in 1855. The growing administrative needs of Annecy, especially during its period under the Kingdom of Sardinia, prompted the move of municipal services to a more substantial, modern building. Following this transition, the historic structure eventually became what it is today: the curacy, or presbytery, for the adjacent Notre-Dame church.
FAQ
What is the Ancien Hôtel de Ville in Annecy used for now?
Today, the Ancien Hôtel de Ville houses the curacy (presbytery) for the neighboring Notre-Dame church.
When did the Ancien Hôtel de Ville serve as Annecy's town hall?
It functioned exclusively as the town hall from 1770 until 1855, when the municipal services moved to a new location.
What is a notable architectural feature of Annecy's old town hall?
The wrought iron staircases are a famous feature, adorned with the trout from Annecy's coat of arms. Their quality was praised by 19th-century art critic John Ruskin.
