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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Saint George's Church in Vesoul is a major religious building in the city, built between 1735 and 1745 to replace an old medieval church deemed too old. Originally conceived as a collegiate under the Old Regime, it was briefly elevated to the rank of constitutional cathedral during the Revolution (1791-1801), before becoming a parish church again. Ranked a historic monument in 1993, it is distinguished by its classical architecture, its 19th century bell tower and its forty works of art, including paintings, sculptures and a historic organ.

The reconstruction was decided after a report of 1727 highlighting the delapidated state of the old church. Several architects took part, including Mathieu Duchesne, Fr.Arange, and Jean-Pierre Galezot, who led the works from 1736. Partly financed by a donation of 16,000 pounds from Sieur Aymonnet, the construction was delayed due to legal and financial disputes. The church was finally consecrated in 1756 by the Cardinal of Choiseul, then modified over the centuries, especially during major renovations in 2007-2008.

During the Revolution, the church became the seat of the diocese of Vesoul under the constitutional bishop Jean-Baptiste Flavigny, before losing this status with the Concordat of 1801. Its interior, in the "church-halle" style, includes a nave and low side of the same height, six side chapels, and remarkable liturgical furniture, such as a classified village (Louise-Hélène, 1858) and an organ by Joseph Rabiny (1776). The stained glass windows, dating from around 1900, and the sculptures, including an Assumption of the monumental Virgin, bear witness to her rich artistic heritage.

External architecture, called "classic" or "Jéquel", is inspired by the religious buildings of Franche-Comté of the 18th century. The sober facade is rhythmized by doric columns and arc windows. The bell tower, located on the southern flank, houses four active bells, two of which are classified. Inside, the chapels, dedicated to holy patrons of corporations (Saint Eloi for locksmiths, Saint Vincent for winemakers), reflect the social and religious history of Vesoul.

The church also houses classified paintings, such as Ecce Homo (XVI-15th century) or Saint Georges terrorizing the dragon (1851) by Olivier Pichat, as well as ancient sculptures, including a 15th century Virgin of Mercy. The organ, modified in the 19th century by François Callinet and Alfred Kern, remains a central element of liturgical life. Finally, the list of parish priests, from the collegiate chapter (1735) to the present, illustrates its continuing role in the Vesulian community.

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