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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Cistercian barn of Esmorots is a Catholic monarch building located in the hamlet of Esmorots, west of Fontaines-en-Duesmois (Côte-d'Or), between Villaines-en-Duesmois and Lucenay-le-Duc. Mentioned in 1201, it appears again in texts in 1217 and 1289, confirming its early role in the region. In 1466, it was strengthened, that is, leased to farmers, marking a transition in its use. Its architecture is distinguished by an oblong plan, a vault in a full-cindered cradle, and a double-sided lava roof, typical of Burgundy Cistercian buildings.

At the beginning of the seventeenth century, a third of the building was built into a chapel, with the obligation for local residents to maintain it. This transformation adds a porch topped by a belfry of structure, as well as a full arched door decorated with three niche edicles. These elements reflect the site's adaptation to community spiritual needs while maintaining its original agricultural structure. The barn was listed as a Historic Monument in 2009, recognizing its heritage value.

The site today consists of a mixed, partially private and communal property. Its listing in the inventory of Historic Monuments covers the entire building (cadastre AC 20 to 22), including the chapel and agricultural areas. Traditional materials, such as lavas for roofing, and Cistercian construction techniques (voûts, arches full hanger) make it a rare testimony of the utilitarian religious architecture of the Middle Ages in Burgundy. No information is available on its current accessibility (visits, rentals, accommodation).

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