Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The chapel of Mont-Sabot, originally church of the Priory of Neuffontaines, has a composite structure reflecting several epochs. The Romanesque building of the 11th–12th century, identifiable by its portal, windows and modillons of the nave, was profoundly transformed in the late 15th century or early 16th century. Lateral chapels were added in the 16th century, while the side door, dated 1838, and works in 1854 (replacement of flat stones by slate) marked the 19th century interventions. The building, vaulted with warheads, combines three distinct types of mouldings: chamfered edges, tors, and prismatic mouldings, illustrating the evolution of architectural techniques.

A local legend, carved on the arcades of the side chapels, tells the story of a goat pursued by a wolf, who took refuge in the church. By miracle, the goat locked the wolf in flight, a story symbolized by the figures against a goat and a wolf. This monument, classified in 1987, was called church until 1697 before taking the name of chapel, according to parish archives. Its two-sided roof (flat tile) and round rump on the stair turret also testify to its medieval heritage.

Property of the commune of Neuffontaines (Nièvre), the chapel of Mont-Sabot embodies both a religious heritage and a collective memory, where architecture and folklore mix together. Its registration as a Historic Monument in 1987 underscores its heritage value, while its current state, with a location deemed satisfactory a priori, makes it an accessible site for visitors interested in Burgundy history.

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