Start of construction
The Marquis Jacques-François de Hautefort (1609-1680) ordered at this time the erection of the Hotel-Dieu of Hautefort. The construction started in 1675 and was done 50 years later, in 1725.
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The main outlines of its history…
An Architecture in the Shape of a Greek Cross
A rare hospital foundation, unique in the region with its architecture in the shape of a Greek cross and at its center, the chapel. This structure was made supposedly, (according to the Marquis' wish), to accommodate 11 women (in the Holy Spirit Room), 11 men (in the Eternal Father Room), and 11 boys (in the Divine Word room), in reference to the 33 years of Jesus Christ's life.
The Great Confinement
With the royal edict, Louis XIV started the period of the "Great Confinement" and ordered the creation of Hotel-Dieu in France to "confine poverty," which was very prevalent during that time, exacerbated by demographic explosion, famine, and major epidemics of the 17th century.
Occupation by the Poor
At this period of time the first poor people were welcomed into the building, so half a year after the work started.
Arrival of the Nuns
The Marquis' brother calls upon the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers, who remained there until the end of the 20th century.
During the War...
The hospice becomes a military hospital and take care of the wounded and refugees from the First World War (1914-1918).
Museum Establishment
Since 1994, it has housed a Museum of Medical History created at that time by the Association of Medical Museography (1994 - 2022), presided over by Dr. L. C. Barnier.
Currently it’s a municipal Museum owned by the city of Hautefort.The museum has 6 exhibition rooms in addition to the chapel, and the Tourist Office Vézère Périgord Noir (OTVPN).