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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The chapel of the cemetery of Auxey-Duresses, dated from the second half of the 15th century, is distinguished by its sober and functional architecture. With a rectangular flat bedside plan, it is reinforced by foothills in cut stone and covered with a roof with two sides in flat tiles. Its west façade has a curved bay surmounted by an arch in basket coves, while a wooden door with two vants, with wrought iron grilled windows, marks the entrance. A stone campanile, today deprived of its bell, crowns the pinion. Inside, the warheads rest on carved caps, and the wooden and plaster altar, though degraded, supports a plaster Pietà. The stained glass windows, decorated with blue and yellow geometric motifs, bear religious inscriptions (IHS, pierced heart). An illegible funeral slab precedes the entrance, while two other slabs remain inside, including one protected under the title of the Historical Monuments and another dedicated to François Chatelgny (deceased in 1661), decorated with a carved hatchet.

The traces of murals, partially visible under the degraded coating, and the paintings in poor condition testify to a once richer decor. A bentier and a bent arched niche complete the interior layout. The chapel, classified as Historic Monument by decree of 28 January 1927, also houses a carved wooden cross path. According to Armand Veau, its construction dates back to the 15th century, confirming its anchoring in the Burgundian medieval heritage. Its present state, although weakened, retains remarkable architectural and funeral elements, reflecting its religious and memorial use throughout the centuries.

The location of the chapel, 5 Rue du Dessous at Auxey-Duresses (Côte-d-Or), is estimated with satisfactory a priori accuracy (level 6/10). The monument, open to visit under conditions, illustrates the importance of cemetery chapels in Burgundy villages, often linked to funeral practices and local devotion. Funeral slabs, such as that of François Chatelgny, recall the role of these buildings in the commemoration of local notables, while decorative elements (glasses, sculptures) highlight their spiritual and artistic dimension.

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