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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Collège Notre-Dame de Saint-Hippolyte, founded in 1308 by Count John II de la Roche, replaces an 11th century chapel. It houses a chapter of eight canons and four altars for simultaneous Masses. Its soil preserves the tombstones of Counts de la Roche and local inhabitants. Between 1418 and 1452 she protected the Holy Shroud during the Hundred Years War, entrusted by Humbert de Villersexel to remove him from looting.

The original Gothic bell tower was destroyed in 1634 by the Swedish troops of Gustave II Adolphe during the Ten Years War. An imperial dome bell tower replaces it later. During the French Revolution, furniture was destroyed and bells melted in 1793, according to a legend, thrown into the Dessoubre River. The current bells, Marie-Sophie-Melchior-Augustine (1862) and Jeanne-Antoinette (1832), were cast after this period.

The collegiate church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Hippolyte, was listed as a historical monument in 1979. Its architecture combines elements from the 14th, 16th and 18th centuries. The tombstones of the Counts of La Roche and the Canons still cover the building, testifying to its central role in local history.

The bells have inscriptions detailing their godfathers, such as Marie-Josèphe-Sophie Mercier (mother in 1862), widow of a president of the Court of Cassation of Lyon, or Nicolas-Xavier Jobard, mayor of Liebvillers. Their production by Morteau's founders (Emile Bournez and François Humbert) reflects local craftsmanship.

The Priest & Son clock, today inactive, recalls the technical developments of the 19th century. The collegiate church, renamed Church of Notre-Dame du Mont, remains a religious and heritage symbol of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, linked to the archdiocese of Besançon.

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