Construction of the Malakoff Tower 1859 (≈ 1859)
Tribute to the Crimean soldiers, forerunner of the site.
1958
Building the chapel
Building the chapel 1958 (≈ 1958)
Work by Marc Hénard, modern style.
2013
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 2013 (≈ 2013)
Total protection of the chapel.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The chapel in its entirety (Box D 802): by order of 2 July 2013
Key figures
Marc Hénard - Architect, decorator and sculptor
Designer of the chapel in 1958.
Origin and history
The Notre-Dame d'Orient chapel has its origins in an older tribute: the Malakoff Tower, erected in 1859 as a thank you to the Virgin for the return of the soldiers of the Crimean war. This initial, though distinct, monument marks the beginning of a local devotion that will lead, almost a century later, to the construction of the present chapel.
In 1958, architect Marc Hénard designed a new chapel near the historic tower. This project is part of the post-war renewal of religious architecture, characterized by clean shapes and modern decorative elements. The exterior door, decorated with a frieze representing the apostles, and the stained glass with abstract motifs testify to this innovative aesthetic.
Classified as a Historical Monument by order of 2 July 2013, the chapel is now fully protected, including its interior and exterior decorations. Its precise location, on the road of the Tilleuls in Sermizelles (Yonne), as well as its management by a diocesan association underline its anchoring in the religious and cultural heritage of Burgundy-Franche-Comté.
