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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption of Morteau finds its origins in a Benedictine priory of the order of Cluny, attested from 1107. The present building was built in the 15th century, with a first phase probably completed in 1420 or 1479, although only the three-part apse choir dates back to that time. The priory suffered a fire in 1480, causing a partial reconstruction until 1500, including the choir (bearing a coat of arms dated 1481) and, around 1520, the addition of the bell tower and chapel of the baptismal fonts, built with stones from the Château de Mondey.

In the 17th century, the church was partially rebuilt according to its original plan (1650), then enlarged in 1653 with the nave of the Rosary, intended for the wealthy families of the Val de Morteau. The fires followed: in 1683, in 1747 (destroying the furniture and damaging the convent), then in 1945, when lightning struck the bell tower. The convent buildings were rebuilt until 1785, while the church itself was listed as historical monuments on 8 June 1926.

The architecture of the church is distinguished by its imperial dome bell tower, typical of Franche-Comté, and its interior composed of six vaulted bays dogives. The choir, ending in an apse with three sections, is illuminated by windows. Among its remarkable furniture, several elements are classified: a 17th century high altar, a 1748 pulpit to preach carved by Claude Joseph Béliard, a bumblebee of 1689, and a 16th century Virgin of piety. Other pieces, such as 18th and 19th century statues, complement this heritage complex.

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