CAPITOL

Don't miss to discover the heart of Toulouse and its jewel... the Capitole! This large building with its colourful stone and brick facade dating from the 18th century now houses the town hall and the opera house... It takes its name from the Capitouls, the councillors who managed local politics from the 12th to the 18th century. The facade is also inspired by them since the eight marble columns that decorate the centre of the Capitol, on either side of the clock, represent them. Do not miss to enter the Capitol courtyard, in the center of the building, where, under the statue of Henry IV, was once executed the Duke of Montmorency, for having entered in rebellion against Louis XIII... Discover also the Hall of Illustrious, accessible from the courtyard by a grand 17th century staircase, designed by the architects Paul Pujol and Pierre Esquié at the end of the 19th century and decorated by the Toulouse painters Jean-Paul Laurens, Paul Pujol or Paul Gervais, before discovering the magnificent frescoes by Henri Martin. The visit is free! Finally, on your way out, take advantage of the beauty of the Place du Capitole by strolling near the Occitan cross on the cobblestone, decorated with the twelve signs of the zodiac, or by having a coffee under the arcades and the paintings of Raymond Moretti!