Hôtel de Bernuy, Toulouse

The Bernuy Hotel (Hôtel de Bernuy), located on Léon Gambetta Street in Toulouse, stands as a prominent example of Renaissance architecture and the affluence of the city during the 16th century. Constructed for Jean de Bernuy, a prosperous woad merchant and a Spanish Jew who escaped the Inquisition, this hotel highlights the cultural and architectural transitions of the period.

The construction of the Bernuy Hotel began with its facade and Gothic brick courtyard, both completed between 1503 and 1504 by Louis Privat. Notably, the building features a remarkable Gothic brick courtyard and a towering staircase, built in the same period. These elements reflect the traditional Toulousain style, characterized by the extensive use of brick.

From 1530 to 1536, a new phase of construction added the Renaissance stone courtyard, a notable departure from the prevalent brick constructions in Toulouse. This courtyard, influenced by the Spanish Plateresque style, exemplifies the wealth and elevated social status of its owner, Jean de Bernuy. The use of stone in the courtyard and the elaborate decoration signify a shift towards more opulent, Renaissance-inspired aesthetics.

One of the architectural highlights of the Bernuy Hotel is its tower, which was deliberately built to match the height of the tower owned by Bernuy's father-in-law, Arnaud du Faur. This tower not only served as a symbol of prestige but also showcased the skills of the stonemason Merigo Cayla, particularly evident in the 'bent' windows—a unique architectural feature that adds to the distinctiveness of the building.

Today, the Bernuy Hotel is admired as a magnificent example of the introduction of the Renaissance in Toulouse, representing both the city's historical significance and its architectural evolution during a period of considerable wealth and cultural exchange.