Étienne Turquet, a name whispered with reverence in the narrow confines of Impasse Turquet. This unassuming alleyway in Vieux Lyon, clinging to the hillside, holds more history than meets the eye. Impasse Turquet is home to the oldest houses in Lyon. Their timber-framed galleries, a rare sight, transport you back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Imagine Lyon then, a bustling medieval city. Étienne Turquet, originally Turchetti, arrived from Piedmont. He wasn’t just any merchant; he was a visionary. He secured a privilege from King François I himself. This privilege allowed him to manufacture silk in Lyon. This royal decree laid the foundation for Lyon’s silk industry. This industry would bring the city fame and fortune for centuries. Impasse Turquet, named after this pioneering figure, stands as a silent testament to his legacy. These weathered houses witnessed the birth of Lyon’s silk empire. They saw the city transform from a medieval trading post to a Renaissance powerhouse. Look closely at the timber-framed balconies. Imagine the silk merchants who once walked these very stones. They didn’t say “rich as Croesus” in Lyon. They said “rich as Gadagne” or “rich as Turquet.” Impasse Turquet is a hidden gem. It offers a glimpse into the heart of Lyon’s rich past. It’s a reminder that even in the grandest cities, the smallest alleyways can hold the most captivating stories.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to