Place du Capitole
The grand civic heart of Toulouse, dominated by the long pink-brick facade of the Capitole, the city hall and opera house, and marked across its pavement by a giant bronze Occitan cross. For centuries this has been the city's stage for celebration and protest alike.
Über diesen Ort
Place du Capitole is the social and political centre of Toulouse. One whole side is taken up by the Capitole, whose elegant neoclassical facade stretching some one hundred and twenty metres was begun in 1750 to designs by Guillaume Cammas. Its eight marble columns honour the eight capitouls, the merchant magistrates who governed the city for around six hundred years until the Revolution. The building still houses the city hall, the Théâtre du Capitole opera company, and the celebrated Orchestre national du Capitole, along with the lavishly decorated Salle des Illustres. Across the pavement lies the great bronze Croix Occitane laid out by Raymond Moretti in 1995, its branches carrying the signs of the zodiac, making the open square a gathering place for markets, festivals, and everyday life.
Wissenswertes
- 1750 year — The 120-metre neoclassical facade was begun to plans by Guillaume Cammas
- 1995 year — Raymond Moretti laid the giant bronze Occitan cross into the pavement
- 8 columns — Marble columns on the facade honour the eight capitouls who governed Toulouse
📍 Place du Capitole, 31000, Toulouse