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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Jacques de Chaux-Neuve, located in the Doubs department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, finds its origins at the end of the 15th century. Its initial construction, completed around 1487, is attested by its consecration on 19 March this year by Monsignor Henri Potin, Bishop of Philadelphia and suffragan of the Archbishop of Besançon, Charles de Neufchâtel. This first building, of which today the fourth right chapel remains, was enlarged in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as evidenced by the dates engraved on its walls. The period of major transformation spanned from 1607 to 1684, with the addition of the bell tower in 1667, marking the completion of structural work.

The monument bears the traces of multiple architectural and historical influences. Its bell tower, initially surmounted by an imperial dome, was destroyed by fire in May 1914 and replaced by a polygonal arrow. The cross vaults of the nave house heraldic weapons of local families (such as the Brocards) and dignitaries, such as the Habsburgs or the Archduke Albert, governor of Franche-Comté from 1595 to 1621. These elements underline the central role of the church in the social and religious life of the region, reflecting the alliances and powers involved.

Classified as an inventory of historical monuments since 8 June 1926, the church of Santiago is also distinguished by its exceptional furniture. Among the remarkable pieces are a statue of St Peter in 16th century alabaster, a carved group of St Joseph and Child (17th century), as well as altars and altars side of the 18th century, some signed and dated. These objects, protected individually, illustrate the artistic and devotional evolution of the parish, attached to the diocese of Besançon. The cemetery cross, dated 1837, completes this heritage complex, a witness to local piety throughout the centuries.

The building is part of a wider parish network, that of the parish of Mouthe-Lac-Mont d'Or, and preserves a reproduction of Raphael's Transfiguration, an emblematic work of which copies exist in other places of worship. This aspect highlights cultural and artistic exchanges between Chaux-Neuve and other religious centres in the region, such as Dole or Besançon. Today, the church remains a symbol of the franc-comtois rural heritage, mixing local history and European heritage.

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