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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Christophe de Champlitte originated in the 15th century, initiated in 1437 by Antoine de Vergy, local lord. The latter, having been imprisoned for his involvement in the murder of John I of Burgundy, vowed to enlarge the existing seigneurial chapel, adding a capitular hall and a tower-belfry. In 1439 he obtained from Pope Eugene IV the creation of a college of canons, and was buried in that college the same year. The building, initially modest, thus became a place of worship and local power, reflecting the influence of Vergy's lords in the region.

In the 18th century, the church experienced several major reconstruction campaigns. The choir was rebuilt according to the plans of Claude-Antoine Aillet, then the nave was rebuilt between 1735 and 1740, probably under the direction of architect Devôge. At the end of the century, the degraded condition of the building led the bishop to prohibit access to the building. A new reconstruction, begun in 1791 on the plans of Jean-Antoine Guyet, was interrupted by the French Revolution. This work illustrates the challenges of preserving religious buildings during a period of profound political and social change.

The final reconstruction took place between 1817 and 1823, under the direction of architect Jean-Claude Discoux, who erected an 80-metre-high "imperial" bell tower, characteristic of the comtois churches. However, a fire in 1888 destroyed part of the building, including the bell tower, replaced by a temporary structure never restored in its original style. In the 20th century, the church was enriched by works by renowned artists: the Martyr fresco by Saint Christophe painted by Alfred Giess (Grand Prix de Rome) between 1947 and 1952, and a statue of Saint Christophe carved by Felix Joffre (also Grand Prix de Rome).

The church, registered as a historical monument in 2009, bears witness to a complex architectural history, combining Gothic, classical and neo-classical styles. Its official protection recognizes its heritage value, linked to its religious, historical and artistic role in the commune of Champlitte. The stained glass windows, some of which were signed by Ch. Champigneulle in 1923, as well as its stone-cut structure, are a remarkable example of the sacred heritage of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

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