Imagine a time long ago. Dukes and duchesses resided here. This is the Palais Rihour. It is a jewel of Lille’s history. Today, we will journey through its past.
The Place Rihour is a bustling square. It sits at the heart of Lille. The Palais Rihour is one of its most prominent buildings. Built in the 15th century, it exemplifies Gothic architecture. It once served as the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Now, it houses Lille’s Tourist Office.
The Palais Rihour has seen many changes. It has survived numerous alterations. It withstood damage from World War II. Restorations have ensured its historical charm remains. Admire its beautiful facade. Imagine the grand meeting halls inside. The ornate chapel is open to the public on specific days.
In 1450, Philip the Good sought funds. He wanted to construct a new palace. The city granted him 6000 livres over four years. In 1453, land was acquired. It was once the marshy Rihout area. Architect Evrard de Mazières began construction. The work finished twenty years later under Charles the Bold.
Originally, the Palais Rihour had four wings. They formed a quadrangle around a courtyard. The marshy ground caused damage. Repairs were needed in the following century. The stone from Lezennes was of poor quality. Duke Philip the Good wanted brick. But brick became the main building material.
Emperor Charles V once stayed here. In 1664, the city bought the Palais Rihour. It cost 90,000 florins. It became the town hall. The previous one stood on the Grand’Place.
A fire damaged the north wing in 1700. It was rebuilt in the style of the time. King Louis XV stayed here in 1744. He felt uneasy. He moved to the Governor’s hotel after eleven days. In 1756, another fire ravaged the west wing. It was restored in the Louis XIV style. Another fire damaged the southeast part. It was left as it was.
Partial restoration occurred in 1733. A belfry was built in 1826. The municipal services were disparate. The Palais was destroyed in 1846. It was rebuilt in Neo-Renaissance style. Charles Benvignat led the reconstruction until 1857. The 1826 belfry was demolished.
The 15th-century chapel remains. It sits on foundations older than the palace. The grand staircase moved. It pivoted 90 degrees. Hector Berlioz’s cantata debuted here that year. In 1875, it was classified as a historical monument.
A fire broke out on April 23, 1916. It spread quickly. The building housed the town hall. Firefighters arrived late due to curfew. Low water pressure hindered them. They saved the financial services. They also saved the conclave room. But city archives and library collections vanished.
Municipal services moved locations. They moved to Boulevard de la Liberté. They moved to Rue Gambetta. They occupied a Catholic school. A new city hall was built from 1924 to 1932. Émile Dubuisson designed it.
The Palais Rihour was razed. Only the chapel and staircase remained. Some 19th-century brick arcades survived. In 1929, a war memorial was erected. It honored Lille’s suffering in World War I. It partially obscures the palace remains.
The remaining parts show late Gothic style. Mullioned windows are visible. An octagonal turret houses a spiral staircase. The guard room has ribbed vaults. The chapel is called the Conclave Room.
The chapel served as a place of justice. Arnould de Vuez decorated it with five paintings. The paintings are gone. But their painted sketches are in the Hospice Comtesse museum. Several large vaulted cellars lie under the square.
In 2004, Lille was the European Capital of Culture. The Palais Rihour hosted a Victor Vasarely exhibit. Its bell tower was rebuilt.
The former guard room now houses the Tourist Office. The Conclave Room was the palace chapel. It served as a meeting room from 1684. It has ribbed vaults. It hosts temporary exhibitions today.
The Palais Rihour stands as a testament. It reflects Lille’s rich past. It embraces the present. It welcomes all who visit.