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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Gallo-Roman shrine of Bû, located in the department of Eure-et-Loir in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is a cultural complex dating from the 1st to the 4th century. It consists of a fanum (indigenous temple) with monumental entrance, covering an older temple, as well as some annexes. This site is the only visible set of this type in the department, reflecting the importance of Gallo-Roman religious practices in the region.

Archaeological excavations conducted in the 1960s revealed many wolf-shaped ex-votos, suggesting that the sanctuary was probably dedicated to the treatment of eye diseases. In the 1980s, further excavations revealed the foundations of an even older temple than the one seen today. Despite these discoveries, the site is deteriorating due to frequentity and weather.

The sanctuary has been listed as a historic monument since December 9, 1986. It is located on a plot formerly called "church room" on the cadastre, in the place called "The Woods of Justice". This site illustrates the romanization of local religious practices and the integration of Gaulish cults into the Roman pantheon, typical of the Gallo-Roman period in Gaul.

The region of Bû was occupied by the Gaulish tribe of the Duroccasians, who proved to be conciliant with the Romans, unlike other peoples such as the Carnuts. This acculturation allowed the construction of hybrid shrines, mixing local traditions and Roman influences. The sanctuary of Bû is a notable example, reflecting this cultural fusion.

Today, the remains of the sanctuary are visible, but their preservation remains an issue in the face of erosion and frequentation. The site offers a rare testimony of Gallo-Roman religious architecture in Eure-et-Loir, supplementing the local historical heritage alongside the Church of Our Lady, classified since 1963.

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