Initial construction XIe-XIIe siècles (≈ 1250)
The church and Roman bell tower were built.
1793
Partial destruction
Partial destruction 1793 (≈ 1793)
Nef and choir destroyed during the Revolution.
1846
Reconstruction and reversal
Reconstruction and reversal 1846 (≈ 1846)
Expansion and modification of the orientation.
16 octobre 1930
Registration MH
Registration MH 16 octobre 1930 (≈ 1930)
Clocher inscribed with historical monuments.
1998
Restoration of the bell tower
Restoration of the bell tower 1998 (≈ 1998)
Work initiated by a local association.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Clocher : inscription by order of 16 October 1930
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any named historical actor.
Origin and history
The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Tramayes, located in the department of Saône-et-Loire, finds its origins in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Romanesque bell tower, built between 1100 and 1200, is the only remaining element of the medieval building. The nave and choir were destroyed in 1793 during the French Revolution, marking a break in the architectural history of the building.
In 1846, the church was completely rebuilt and reversed to meet the needs of a growing population and the economic development of Tramayes, then cantonal capital. The old apse was demolished to give way to a portal topped by an oculus, while the Romanesque bell tower became a bell tower, flanked by two stair turrets. This reshaping reflects the architectural adaptations linked to the demographic and social changes of the 19th century.
The bell tower, with a barlong plan and two floors, is a remarkable example of Burgundian Romanesque art. It is distinguished by its decorative apparatus composed of columns, pilasters, and carved capitals (palms and lions faced). Restored in 1998 thanks to a local initiative, it houses three bells, including a 1.7-ton bumblebee from the Second Empire, originally from the Basilica of St.Martin of Ainay in Lyon.
The building, which has been listed as a historic monument since October 16, 1930, also retains a white marble high altar decorated with marquetry. Today, the church remains an active Catholic place of worship, attached to the diocese of Autun and the parish of Saints-Apôtres-en-Haut-Clunisois. Its movable and architectural heritage bears witness to the religious and social transformations of Burgundy-Franche-Comté.
The protection of the bell tower in 1930 underscores its heritage value, while recent restorations illustrate the local commitment to its preservation. The association for the preservation of the heritage of Tramayes, founded in 1996, played a key role in this work, in collaboration with the municipality.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review