Capitole de Toulouse

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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.

Some of the interior of the Capitole can be traced back to the 16th century, but the current façade 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.

Today the Capitole houses the city hall, as well as an opera company and symphony orchestra. The Salle des Illustres contains 19th century artworks.

Its façade is 135 metres long and built in Neoclassical style.