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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Saint-Étienne's church in Saint-Mihiel, originally dedicated to Saints Cyr of Tarsus and Julitte, was founded in 709 by the Austrasian Count Wulfoad as Benedictine Abbey on the site of Godonécourt. In 819, Abbé Smaragde brought the abbey closer to the village, and in 1067 Bishop Thierry the Great confirmed the donation of the lands of the church and the parish. It took the name of Saint Stephen in the 12th century after the contribution of relics by the abbot of Saint Michael returning from Rome. The 1145, 1152 and 1194 agreements only refer to it as such.

Between 1500 and 1543, the church was enlarged eastward, financed by a gift from Antoine le Bon, Duke of Lorraine, a tax levy and a loan. In 1545 it was dedicated with the mysteries of St Stephen. In 1707 the chapters of Hattonchâtel and Apremont were transferred there, and it housed eleven canons. The French Revolution confiscated his income, and in 1791 the city was divided into two parishes, Saint-Étienne becoming the Bourg. The church was banned from worship in 1793, used as a hospital, and reopened in 1802.

In the 19th century, major works changed its appearance: the lower nave was demolished between 1821 and 1825 to improve traffic, and the tower and western facade were rebuilt. In 1840-1842, the fillings of the windows were replaced, and in 1854, the frame was completely rebuilt. During the First World War, it was attributed to Protestant worship by German occupiers. The church, classified as a historic monument in 1907, is best known for its tomb, masterpiece by Ligier Richier (1554-1564), representing thirteen stone characters from Euville.

Architecturally, the church is a hall church with an integrated choir, vaulted with warheads. It preserves elements from the 13th, 16th and 19th centuries, including four chapels and a 13th century central stand. The 16th century extensions, led by the master carpenter Jacques de Heu, gave the building its present structure, while the 19th century restorations, led by Augustin-Simon Viller and Jean-Pierre Vierre, modernized its façade and its tower-clocher. Materials used include slate, flat tile and zinc for roofing.

The tomb of Ligier Richier, commanded by an unknown person, is installed in the lower right side. It represents Christ carried by Joseph of Arimathia and Nicodemus, surrounded by Marie-Madeleine, Véronique, Salome, an angel, Marie-Cleophas, the Virgin, Saint John, two soldiers and a centurion. This funerary monument, carved from Euville's stone, is an exceptional testimony of the Lorraine sculpture of the Renaissance and a key element of the artistic heritage of the region.

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