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Origin and history

The church of Saint-Nicolas de Villers-Cotterêts, originally dedicated to Saint-Maur, was built from 1173 on the orders of Philippe d'Alsace. The choir, the goutreal walls of the nave and the cross of the transept date from the 12th century, while the north crusillon was added at the beginning of the 13th century. The building, burned by the English in 1429, was repaired in 1430 and then adopted the term Sainte-Catherine. In the 16th century, the church was almost entirely rebuilt, with the exception of the choir and the north arm of the transept, and took the name Saint-Nicolas.

The western façade was resumed in the late 17th or early 18th century, probably after 1671, when the Premonstrated began to worship there. In 1883, the architect Dubois undertook a major restoration, changing the appearance of the church and rebuilding the south side. The stained glass windows, destroyed during World War I, were replaced in 1918 by Damon and then in 1934 by Stevens. The church, classified as a historical monument in 1993, preserves various architectural elements, such as arches of warheads in the choir and a false vault in a crib broken in the nave.

Located between the local castle and the former Premontrés house, the church reflects a turbulent history, marked by successive reconstructions and changes of words. Its architecture, combining medieval parts and 19th century restorations, bears witness to the stylistic evolutions and the cultural needs of the community of Villers-Cotterêts throughout the centuries.

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