Exterior view

This complex, built by the Flemish-born military architect Sebastian van der Borcht, is one of the earliest surviving examples of factory architecture. It is based on the type of structure used for hospitals and colleges.

The factory became famous as the setting for the Carmen story by Prosper Mérimée and the opera by Georges Bizet.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 3 minutes): Georges Bizet: Carmen, Prelude