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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Jean-au-Marché, located in Troyes in the Aube, is a Gothic building whose presence is attested from the tenth century. It was rebuilt in the 16th century after a fire in 1524, retaining 13th century elements. Its name evokes the Champagne fairs, which developed in its territory from the 11th century. The church, 77 metres long, is distinguished by its three naves and eight spans, the first five of which date from the 13th century and the next three from the 16th.

A major historical event took place: the marriage of the King of England Henri V with Catherine de Valois, daughter of Charles VI and Isabel of Bavaria. The building was partially destroyed by the fire of 1524 and then restored. In 1911 his tower collapsed, damaging the Guillemette bell, melted in 1524. Ranked a historic monument in 1840, it houses notable works, such as an Italian altarpiece, sculptures by the master of Chaource, and 16th century stained glass windows.

The church also preserves paintings by Pierre Mignard (17th century) and a stained glass window by Émile Babouot (1879). Its clock, installed in 1789, and its polychrome stained glass windows bear witness to its rich artistic heritage. Fragilized by the damage of 1911, it was consolidated by summers. Today, it remains a symbol of the medieval and reborn past of Troyes, linked to its commercial and royal history.

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