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Origin and history

The hospital of the Holy Spirit of Neufchâteau was founded in 1237 by Brother Robert, a member of the Holy Spirit's Order, on land ceded by the Duke of Lorraine Mathieu II. The buildings were completed in 1261, as attested by the tympanum of the old chapel gate, which still retains its 13th century central ship. This establishment, placed under the protection of the Holy Spirit's Hospital in Besançon from the 14th century, consisted of a large single-nave room, a hall ending with a choir, and three adjoining rooms.

In the 14th century, two chapels were added: the southern chapel, founded in 1385 by Thierry Houdiard, and the northern chapel, built in the same period. The east bay of the central vessel was also pierced at that time. The buildings underwent major restorations under the direction of Brother Georges-Charles Mesnier (1656–74), then after 1696 by order of Brother Adrian Bullet. A significant transformation took place between 1744 and 1746, followed by a reconstruction in 1780–81 after a fire in 1779.

In 1793 a stair ramp from Mureau Abbey was installed. The site experienced enlargements from 1884, with the building being expanded in the extension of the chapel, according to the plans of architect Michaux. Between 1897 and 1899, a sacristy (now destroyed) was built by the entrepreneur Regnier Labbé, from Grand. The chapel, the only part protected by the Historical Monuments since 1926, bears witness to this turbulent history.

The hospital, owned by the commune of Neufchâteau, illustrates the evolution of medieval hospitals in Lorraine, marked by phases of destruction, reconstruction and adaptation to health and religious needs throughout the centuries. Its campanile, covered with slates, and its hybrid architectural elements (XIIIth in the 19th century) make it an emblematic heritage of the Great East.

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