Gymnasium

Fascinating inscription. What’s the erased word? It might perhaps be “PATRIAE” or “RELIGIONI” meaning either “For God, the Nation and the Arts” or “For God, Religion and the Arts”. Or something similar. I suggest that in this context, Gymnasium has its older meaning of school, rather than a place full of pain, sweat and Lycra.
Both words are about the right length and Google gives both versions and various translations.
 
This place was built in the early 17th century and first served as a school. This is in Vesoul, in eastern France. The initial sentence was « Gymnasium Deo, Regi et Bonis Artibus » but during the Empire it turned to « ... Deo, Imperatori... », then the second word was definitely erased. I went there for 2 years at junior high/middle school. Now the place is closed and constructions start collapsing.
 
Yes, I can see why they'd want to erase those words at those times. Many thanks. Fascinating.
 
Half way between robot and skeleton hands. They came just after the building closed, 2-3 years ago :D
 
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