Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The former priory of Baulme-la-Roche, located in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, was a religious establishment dependent on the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Seine. Founded in the 12th century, it was mentioned in 1250 with certified priors. The chapel, the house and the dovecote were built at the beginning of the sixteenth century, as evidenced by the date 1502 engraved on a foothill of the chapel. A second date, 1516, also appears on the building, accompanied by murals depicting the apostles. These elements mark a major phase of construction in a Renaissance style, typical of the religious architecture of the period.

In the 18th century, the priory underwent major changes, including the restoration of the house, whose posterior façade was changed and a tower added to the left. The exterior fittings, such as terraces, stairs and a nymph (or garden cave), also date from this period. These transformations reflect the evolution of tastes towards a classical style, while integrating landscape elements characteristic of the gardens of the Enlightenment century.

The priory was partially protected under the Historical Monuments by an order of 3 November 1997, covering the chapel, the dovecote, the terrace (with its balustrade), as well as the nymphaeus and its stairs. These protections highlight the heritage value of an architectural ensemble combining medieval, Renaissance and classical heritage. The absence of detailed sources on its post-revolutionary use, however, leaves certain periods of its history in the shadow.

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