Probable origins XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
First supposed mention of the church
XVIe siècle
Construction of the choir
Construction of the choir XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Main period of the current building
22 octobre 1913
MH choir ranking
MH choir ranking 22 octobre 1913 (≈ 1913)
Official protection of the monument
1989
Accession to ACTE
Accession to ACTE 1989 (≈ 1989)
Integration with European bell towers
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The choir: by order of 22 October 1913
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any historical actors
Origin and history
The church Saint-Léger de Gigny, located in the Yonne department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is a religious building whose essential structure dates back to the sixteenth century. Although its probable origins date from the 13th century, it was the choir, built in the 16th century, which was classified as a historical monument on October 22, 1913. This classification reflects its architectural and heritage importance, particularly for its exceptional bell tower.
The church bell tower, 52 meters high, has a remarkable characteristic: an accidental twist of about a sixteenth turn, from left to right. This singularity has led the building to join, since 1989, the association Les belleurs tors d'Europe (ACTE), which lists about 80 similar buildings, twisted voluntarily or not. This feature makes it a unique monument in the region.
The church is located precisely in Gigny, at 2 Rue de l'Église, in the department of Yonne (code INSEE 89187). It belongs to the commune and its choir is the only element currently protected by the 1913 classification. Although sources mention an approximate location, its official address and historic monument status make it a major point of interest for local heritage.
