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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Étienne de Soucy, located in the Yonne department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is a religious building whose origins date back to the 14th and 16th centuries. It is dedicated to Saint Stephen and historically depended on the Archdiocese of Sens, integrated into the parish of Saint Clement. Today, it is only open for special ceremonies such as weddings or funerals. Its architecture reflects medieval and Renaissance influences, with notable defensive elements.

The village of Soucy, mentioned in the sixth century as Sauciacus, belonged to the chapter of Sens until the Revolution. In 1378 the troops of Richard II of England destroyed the village and its early church. The current building, rebuilt mainly in the sixteenth century, preserves older remains. The inhabitants, mostly plowers and winemakers, shaped an irregular church, without left transept, evoking a truncated Greek cross. The fortified 15th century tower, with its mâchicoulis and scauguettes, bears witness to this troubled period.

Inside, the unique nave under a 10.30-metre-high wooden vault is home to remarkable elements: punches carved with griming heads, woodwork in the choir, and a painting depicting the martyrdom of St Stephen. The choir houses statues of saints from the 15th to the 18th centuries, including Saint Stephen (stone, 15th), Saint Anthony (XVIe, with the coat of arms of the Bouviers), Saint Vincent (XVIIe, patron saint of the winemakers), and Saint Roch (XVIIIe). A 15th century funeral slab, a 1560 baptismal tank, and 17th century boat-shaped baptismal fonts complete this heritage.

The church has been listed as a historic monument since 1930, recognizing its architectural and historical value. The facade, sober, contrasts with the inner richness, where sacred art mixes with traces of local crafts. The 16th century glass windows in the chapel of the Virgin, dedicated to Mary, the Child Jesus and Saint John the Baptist, illustrate the stylistic evolution of the building. Several 19th century statues, later added, punctuate space.

The link with St. Colombe Abbey of Sens, visible through a bentier, and the paintings depicting the Cathedral of Sens or a Crucifixion, highlight regional religious and artistic connections. The church, owned by the commune, thus embodies almost seven centuries of local history, between faith, conflict and rural life.

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