Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Hippolyte church, located in Bay-sur-Aube in the Haute-Marne department (Great East), is a 13th-century Catholic building. Dedicated to Saint Hippolyte, martyr of the early Church, it dominates the valley of the Dawn from a rocky spur. Its architecture combines Romanesque elements (portal in the middle of the hangar, sculptures) and gothic elements (dogive vaults, flat bedside), reflecting a stylistic transition typical of the rural churches of the region. The massive bell tower, pierced with "langroise" geminated berries, and the double transept make this a remarkable example of local heritage.

The interior preserves a altarpiece in bas-relief (1775) representing the martyrdom of Saint Hippolyte, the work of artist Antoine Besançon. Other notable elements include a statue of the Virgin with Child (XVI century), medieval burial slabs engraved with ploughs and loggers, and a Romanesque portal decorated with a sculpture evoking the legend of the saint. Every 13 August, the day of the Holy Hippolyte, a luminous phenomenon crosses the oculus of the bedside, projecting a colourful mosaic on the nave, attracting pilgrims and visitors.

Ranked a historic monument on May 21, 1906, the church underwent restorations in the late Middle Ages and the 18th century, as evidenced by its decorations and furniture. Owned by the commune, it remains an active place of worship and a witness of Champagne religious art, between medieval heritage and beautifications of the Enlightenment.

External links