Maison du IV de Chiffre (House of Figure IV), Avignon

The House of Figure IV (Maison du IV de Chiffre) is one of Avignon's oldest Gothic residences, dating back to 1493. The house is an intriguing relic of the Middle Ages. Its most distinctive feature, the "Figure IV," was carved between the three first-floor windows. The meaning of this emblem, which resembles a stylized heart impaled on a dart and adorned with the crosses of Saint Andrew and Lorraine, remains shrouded in mystery. Although it disappeared during a restoration, it was once documented in the October 21, 1913 issue of La Farandole, an Avignon journal.

The figure was not just a decoration; it found its way into various forms of art and everyday items, from tapestries and pottery to musical instruments and playing cards, often serving as a monogram for artists, merchants, and craftsmen. Interestingly, the number 4, or IV, was also considered a talisman against the plague in medieval times.

Architecturally, the house maintains its late Gothic character, with a crenelated pediment and corner turrets that enhance its fortress-like appearance. The ground floor is accessible via a platform spanning the Sorgue, leading to a door and two windows. The first floor features three windows divided by a horizontal mullion, while the second floor boasts two windows topped with fretted cords and flanked by watchtowers. Notable elements include a spiral staircase, that serves all floors, a monumental Gothic fireplace, and 90 cm thick wooden beams on the first-floor ceiling.

Registered as a historic monument on May 20, 1927, the House of Figure IV stands as a rare and valuable example of medieval residential architecture in Avignon, embodying the city's rich history and its architectural evolution through the centuries. Despite modifications in the 18th and 19th centuries, the house still retains much of its original Gothic charm, making it a fascinating site for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.