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Origin and history

The church of the Décollation-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste, located in Oiselay-et-Grachaux in Haute-Saône, is a Catholic religious building built mainly in the first half of the 18th century. The bell tower, the oldest part, dates back to the 16th or early 17th century, but was redesigned in 1705 on a medieval basis. This bell tower precedes the complete reconstruction of the church, carried out between 1723 and 1738 according to the plans of engineer Jean-François de l'Egouthail, by the company Olivier. The architecture incorporates a three-span nave, a sideline, a transept and a choir completed by a three-sided apse, all vaulted with ridges with classical influences (Tuscan pilasters, entably).

The interior decoration of the choir, made according to the plans of Jean-Pierre Galezot by his brother Jean-Joseph, is potentially inspired by the plans of the architect Boffrand, especially for the chapel of the Saint-Suaire de Besançon. This decor, marked by a regional baroque style, bears witness to the artistic importance of the building. The church was entirely rebuilt between 1724 and 1729, according to sources, and was classified as Historic Monument in 2007 for its exceptional heritage value. Today it belongs to the commune.

The building illustrates the transition between medieval and classical styles in Franche-Comté, with a sober structure but an elaborate interior decor. Its bell tower, rebuilt in 1705, preserves traces of its ancient origin, while the nave and choir reflect 18th century aesthetic cannons. The complete protection of the church (decree of 26 March 2007) underlines its role in the religious and architectural heritage of the Haute-Saône and Burgundy-Franche-Comté.

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