Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Sainte-Catherine des Hospitalaux-Neufs, located in the Doubs department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, finds its origins in the 14th century with a presumed foundation in 1368. Although originally Romanesque architecture, it was deeply transformed in the 17th century in an Italian Renaissance style and rebuilt between 1694 and 1696. Its bell tower-porch, surmounted by an octagonal arrow, and its baroque interior testify to this period of major renovation. The building, dedicated to Catherine d'Alexandrie, was listed as historic monuments on November 6, 1939, recognizing its heritage value.

Until the concordat of 1801, the parish depended on the diocese of Lausanne, a visible heritage through certain elements of furniture, such as the Virgin with the Child representing Our Lady of Lausanne. After 1801, the church was attached to the diocese of Besançon and is now part of the parish of Mouthe. Its furniture, exceptionally rich, has several classified pieces: a baroque altar of baptismal fonts, a golden high altar with torso columns, and 34 17th century carved benches. A 17th century tombstone, that of Jean-Baptiste de Strambino, bishop of Lausanne, died in 1684, is also preserved there.

The last restorations date back to 1999, with a cleaning of the facades and a complete renovation of the bell tower. This work has helped to preserve the integrity of this heritage, while stressing its central role in local religious and community life. The church remains a remarkable example of the influence of Italian styles in Franche-Comté, while embodying historical and ecclesiastical developments in the region.

External links