Building of the Lions

The Building of the Lions

A stop on the Brest audio-guided tour to discover while crossing the Penfeld, the Building of the Lions is one of the city's historic monuments. It can be recognised, in its recess, by its military stone architecture and its nine round arches.

Ten gilded lead lions

The building owes its name to the ten gargoyles shaped like lions' heads that adorn its facade, between the upper windows. Made of gilded lead, they each weigh about one hundred and fifty kilos. Built between 1807 and 1809 to reinforce the arsenal of Brest, the building was first a store of materials for naval repair, then a carpentry workshop.

What to see

The building later became the first workers' bistro of the arsenal, much frequented by the workers who nicknamed it the golden mouth, a name later taken up by the restaurant that succeeded it. While crossing the Penfeld, look to the right to glimpse this witness of the industrial and military past of Brest.

Practical information

The Building of the Lions can be seen from the route, while crossing the Penfeld, in the centre of Brest. It is discovered from a distance, freely accessible from outside.

Why is it called the Building of the Lions ?

Because of the ten gargoyles shaped like lions' heads, in gilded lead, that adorn its facade.

What uses did the building have ?

A store for naval repair, a carpentry workshop, then the first workers' bistro of the arsenal.