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Origin and history

The abbey of Saint-Hippolyte was founded in 1030 in Combertault, Côte-d'Or, under the leadership of Bishop Geoffroy de Chalon, who signed the charter of endowment for regular canons. Although this charter is lost, an act of confirmation dated 23 September 1030, signed by King Robert the Pious at the castle of Argilly, attests to its creation. The abbey was placed under the name of Saint Hippolyte, but its growth was limited from the beginning.

In 1071-1079 Bishop Roclène de Chalon offered the abbey to the abbey of Saint-Étienne de Caen, who then gave it to the abbey of Saint-Bénigne de Dijon in 1096, in exchange for two Norman churches. This exchange, confirmed by Pope Pascal II in 1102, marked the beginning of the decline of the abbey. By 1120, for lack of success, she was reduced to a priory, and her buildings were partially demolished. A papal bubble of Calixte II in 1124 and confirmation of Alexander III in 1177 formalized his attachment to Saint-Bénigne de Dijon.

The present church preserves 11th century Romanesque remains, including its choir, the only remaining element of the original abbey. The nave, rebuilt in 1687 after the destruction of the Romanesque nave, houses 12th century murals rediscovered in 1990. Ranked a historical monument in 1967, the church was preserved thanks to the opposition of the parish community during the Revolution. Restorations in the 19th and 20th centuries allowed its conservation.

The Priory of Saint-Hippolyte was finally attached in 1188 to the Priory of Saint-Étienne de Beaune, under the approval of Duke Hugues III of Burgundy. Subsequent excavations and studies revealed the architectural and historical importance of the site, despite its gradual transformation into a parish church.

Today, the building protects not only the Romanesque choir, but also the floors of the ancient abbey and the remains of the southern collateral, classified with the church since 1967. These elements bear witness to its evolution, from an ambitious abbey to a modest priory, then a community church.

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