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Origin and history

The church of Vaux-sous-Laon, dedicated to John the Baptist, is an emblematic monument located in the department of Aisne in Laon. Its current construction dates back to the late 11th or early 12th century, although its completion continued until the 15th century. Excavations revealed 7th century graves in his old cemetery, attesting to a very old occupation of the site. The building, partially destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, suffered fire during the Wars of Religion in the 16th century, then was decommissioned and transformed into a stable during the French Revolution.

In the 19th century, the church suffered major damage during the explosion of the powder magazine in 1870, during the Franco-Prussian war. The restoration work, begun at that time, was not completed until 1931. During World War II, in 1940, the Germans held French prisoners and looted the presbytery. Ranked a historic monument in 1920, it houses remarkable furniture, including two 17th century angels and an organ of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll installed in 1908.

The church has a rosace depicting Jesus handing over the keys of the Church to St Peter, surrounded by the apostles, as well as a window commemorating the execution of the Jesuit Alexis Clerc in 1871. Its history reflects the political and religious upheavals that marked the region, from antiquity to contemporary times. Despite the repeated destruction, it remains an architectural and spiritual testimony of the Hauts-de-France.

The interior furniture, although mostly after the 19th century, includes carved stalls and a painting by Gabriel Girodon representing Jean-Baptiste enfant. The organ, although it requires restoration, is a typical example of the work of Cavaillé-Coll, with mechanical transmission and piping in tin and wood. The building, owned by the municipality, continues to play a role in local memory and religious heritage.

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