15 April 2009

Rue Longue - 129, Gaspard de Bottini's house


There are several fascinating stone lintels on Rue Longue. This is perhaps the most interesting in that the door and door fittings appear to be original too. It's just along from the Prince's Palace, which we'll see another day.

The smaller photo shows the lintel more clearly - click to enlarge. On the left you see the date: 1543. In the centre is Christ's monogram - you find this on several houses along the street. Either side of Christ's monogram are the letters B and G. These stand for the original owner Gaspard de Bottini. I don't know what the two symbols on the right signify.

As I was photographing this house, a lady opened the door. Naturally I apologised - then we chatted and she confirmed the door and door fittings are original - other than the door has been reinforced along its base with newer wood. She kindly left the door unlocked for me to go inside and photograph the hallway - there would seem to be two apartments. Tomorrow, we'll look in more detail at this beautiful ancient doorway.

Marta - this is for you! Marta left a comment the other day hoping I'd feature number 129.

17 comments:

  1. belle trouvaille, on en trouve souvent dans les villages de France,elle est très belle et bien conservée

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  2. Very interesting! And maybe we can give a ring to the Virgin? ;-)

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  3. What secrets these portals hold..

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  4. This seems to be a place where age has some meaning and is respected. I wish I could say the same for much of the real estate around here.

    Where I try to make inspirational photographs. Not always successful. Gobsmacks

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  5. That's very interesting Jilly, to know the signification of these signs. Now I would like to know about bith right symbols. Maybe a former numbering of the houses ?

    This electric wiring !

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  6. Yes, but to counteract the effect of the wiring you have that wonderful vent with the metal pail inverted on top of it. This is a classic!

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  7. There is just so much going on in this doorway. Pipes, cable , phone, vent, and a little grotto. WoW!

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  8. B2 is right, the lovely doorway and carvings are almost overshadowed by that scary wiring situation and the rigged up pipe with its bucket hat!HA Funny little vignette!
    V

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  9. That pipe is finally something that makes the whole thing somehow even more interesting! At least, there was no damage created directly on the lintel, fortunately!

    ... and a nice smile opens many doors. Looking forward to what will follow!

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  10. Merci Beaucoup, Jilly. I love finding out about history of the door. It is a little reminder of the diversity of owners in the old town. I'm looking forward to seeing the inside.

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  11. Beautiful and unique! Excellent photos!

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  12. How friendly the lady was to let you take photos from the inside as well. I look forward to what you have to share tomorrow.

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  13. You could do a dozen posts with this door. I had to confess that, of all these fascinating things, my attention was captured by the crazy wiring!

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  14. I never even noticed the wiring until your readers' comments! What riveted my gaze is the lovely niche for the Virgin!

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  15. What a wonderful charming old door with so beautiful details. What a pity that there are so many electric wires.

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  16. The door seems original too!!

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