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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Collège Notre-Dame de Semur-en-Auxois, located in the eponymous city of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, finds its origins in the 11th century, although its major reconstruction took place in the 13th and 14th centuries. Originally dependent on the Benedictine Abbey of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, it was erected from 1225 to replace a church deemed too small. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, her choir is oriented eastward, symbolizing the rising sun of August 15, the date of this religious feast.

Over the centuries, the building has undergone several changes, including the addition of side chapels in the 15th century, financed by local trades corporations. These chapels, like those of the drapiers and butchers, illustrate the economic and social importance of guilds in the medieval city. The collegiate church officially became a collegiate church in 1739, before being deeply restored in the 19th century by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who consolidated the transept's arrow, rebuilt the structure of the choir and remania several architectural elements between 1845 and 1855.

The architecture of the college combines notable Gothic elements, such as a two-square tower facade, an octagonal bell tower of 58 meters, and a three-gate porch of the 15th century. Inside, the narrow and high nave, the triforium decorated with carved heads representing 13th century society, and the stalls of the choir dating from 1728 bear witness to its rich artistic heritage. The stained glass windows, including those of the corporate chapels, offer an overview of local economic activities, while the Polychrome Tombing of the late 15th century, attributed to Antoine Le Moiturier, underscores its religious importance.

The history of the collegiate church is also marked by revolutionary episodes, during which some sculptures were hammered after its transformation into a temple of Reason in the year III (1795). Made to worship in 1805, it became a parish church. The 19th century restorations, although controversial for some neo-Gothic modifications, allowed the building to be preserved, classified as a Historic Monument in 1840. Finally, a comprehensive restoration campaign was undertaken in 1999 to ensure its conservation.

Among the personalities associated with the college, John VI Rolin (v.1450–1501), mentioned in 1482, embodies the influential figures of the region. Tradition also attributes the foundation of the early church to Robert I, Duke of Burgundy, in atonement for the murder of his father-in-law, Dalmace de Semur-en-Brionnais. These historical and architectural elements make Notre-Dame de Semur-en-Auxois an emblematic monument of Burgundy heritage, reflecting both religious devotion, political power and medieval economic life.

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