Initial construction XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Period of main construction of the church.
1689
Discovery of Roman remains
Discovery of Roman remains 1689 (≈ 1689)
Curé Guenot discovers a temple dedicated to Bacchus.
24 juin 1960
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 24 juin 1960 (≈ 1960)
Official protection of the building and its remains.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Saint-Etienne Church (former) (Case D 243, 244p): inscription by order of 24 June 1960
Key figures
Curé Guenot - Curé de Vézelay
Discoverer of Roman remains in 1689.
Origin and history
The church of Saint-Étienne de Vézelay, located in the Yonne department in Vézelay, is a religious building dating back to the twelfth century, with major modifications made in the seventeenth century. It has been listed as historic monuments since 1960, demonstrating its heritage and architectural importance in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region.
In 1689, when a new bell tower was built, parish priest Guenot discovered the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Bacchus under the church. This discovery highlights the ancient occupation of the site and adds an archaeological dimension to the monument. The building, now known as the "old Saint-Étienne church", preserves traces of these different periods.
The church is located precisely at 4 Rue Saint-Étienne, in the commune of Vézelay, whose Insee code is 89446. It is part of the religious and historical heritage of the Yonne, and its inscription in 1960 protects its architectural elements, including its former bell tower and associated ancient remains.
