Saint-Michel Church is located in the secteur sauvegardé of Dijon and is among the city’s notable historic buildings. It is especially known for its Renaissance façade and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in France. The building is classified as a monument historique by the 1840 list.
The church was first mentioned in 889, in connection with a site near the walls of the Castrum de Dijon. Its original structure was probably a simple wooden chapel. It was later replaced by a church initiated by abbot Garnier de Mailly of Saint-Étienne and consecrated in 1020 by bishop Lambert de Bassigny of Langres. Over time, the church was enlarged, with additions funded by parish subscriptions and wealthy families. Its choir masonry reflects a traditional austere flamboyant Gothic style, while the main façade shows a rare combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles, including a Gothic apse, choir, nave, and transept.
Nearby Objects
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Musée Rude 80 m away -
Église Saint-Étienne 80 m away -
Opéra de Dijon 150 m away -
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon 200 m away -
Sainte-Chapelle de Dijon 200 m away
Saint-Michel Church in Dijon
Saint-Michel church is located in the secteur sauvegarde of Dijon. It is especially known for its Renaissance facade, which has contributed to its reputation as one of the most beautiful churches in France. The church is also classified as a monument historique by the 1840 list, reflecting its recognized heritage value and protected status.
Early History and Architectural Development
Saint-Michel church in Dijon is first mentioned in 889, when it was associated with a location near the walls of the Castrum de Dijon. Its original structure was probably a simple wooden chapel. It was later replaced by a church initiated by abbot Garnier de Mailly of Saint-Etienne, and this building was consecrated in 1020 by bishop Lambert de Bassigny of Langres. Garnier de Mailly, the founder, was buried there after his death in 1051.
By the end of the 15th century, the churchs appearance is known from a drawing. It was considered too small for all parishioners, which led to the construction of a new church funded by parish subscriptions. The building was enlarged by extending the choir side, and chapels were added at the expense of wealthy parish families. This later church was consecrated by Philibert de Beaujeu, bishop of Tonnerre. Its choir masonry followed a traditional austere flamboyant gothic style, with sculpted pillars at the crossing.
Construction, Damage, and Restoration
The churchs south portal was completed in 1537, followed by the central portal in 1551. The western facade towers were finished later, in 1659 and 1667, showing that the building developed over a long period. Its history also includes public burning by revolutionaries on an unspecified date. In 1847, the portal roof was modified, which caused infiltration damage to the sculptures. These sculptures were then restored at the end of the century and again in the 1970s and 1990s.
Mixed Gothic and Renaissance Architecture
Saint-Michel church is noted for a main facade that is unusual in its combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles, a result of the period in which it was built. This coexistence reflects the importance of architectural art in Burgundy during the 16th century. The church also includes a Gothic apse, choir, nave, and transept. The nave was built between 1511 and 1525. Work on the facade stopped after 1570 and resumed around 1650, with the south tower completed in 1659 and the north tower in 1667. The tower ornaments use Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, which are inspired by Renaissance style.