Capitole de Toulouse

The Capitole de Toulouse is the seat of the municipal administration of the French city of Toulouse.

The Capitouls (governing magistrates) of Toulouse embarked on the construction of the original building in 1190, to provide a seat for the government of a province growing in wealth and influence. The name "Capitole" referred not only to the Roman Capitol but also to the capitulum which was the chapter of the governing magistrates.

In the 20th century, the structures surrounding the vast (2 hectares) Place du Capitole were redesigned. Some of the interior of the Capitole can be traced back to the 16th century, but the current façade, 135 metres long and built of the characteristic pink brick in Neoclassical style, dates from 1750, built according to plans by Guillaume Cammas. The eight columns represent the original eight capitouls. In 1873, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc built a bell tower typical of the style of northern France on top of the donjon of the building. It was in this donjon that Jean Calas, a Protestant victim of a religiously biased trial, was interrogated. Only the Henri IV courtyard and gate survive from the original medieval buildings. It was in this courtyard that the Duke de Montmorency was decapitated after his rebellion against Cardinal Richelieu.

A thorough redesign of the Place du Capitole in 1995 reserved the space for pedestrians. Today the Capitole houses the city hall, as well as an opera company and symphony orchestra. The Salle des Illustres contains 19th century works of art.

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Reaz
5 August 2016
Take a beer .. Do some people watching...and order some " foie gras"
Faris Samawi
6 September 2013
The Capitole building is open to the public (on most days) and the art work inside is stunning. Best viewed with a guide to explain the historical context. The place (square) itself is quite animated.
Aurélien
14 August 2014
Maybe one of the last beautiful places in Toulouse. If you come in "la ville rose", it must be your first visit.
Océane Mason
25 October 2015
Très belle place avec beaucoup de magasins et restaurant aux alentours. Arrivée du marathon annuelle. Place incontournable à Toulouse.
Alexandre Gil
22 April 2016
Principal e mais bonito ponto turístico de Toulouse. Fica no coração do centro velho, rodeado por ótimos restaurantes.
Annalisa Bano
10 December 2018
Nel periodo di dicembre si riempie di bancherelle che sono una più bella dell’altra! La piazza in se è meravigliosa, il porticato dei ristoranti era affrescato di arti contemporanee
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Hotels nearby

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Crowne Plaza Toulouse

starting $172

Grand Hotel de l'Opera

starting $249

Le Grand Balcon Hotel

starting $218

Hotel Albert 1er

starting $130

Hotel du Taur

starting $180

Hotel Le Capitole

starting $107

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