Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Church of Our Lady of Dammartin-en-Goële finds its origins in a first mention dated 1085, although its oldest architectural elements date back only to the thirteenth century. In 1480, Antoine de Chabannes, a companion of Jeanne d'Arc and a former captain convicted and then escaped from the Bastille, bought the ruins of the building. According to legend, he made a vow to the Virgin Mary to build a temple and to found a canonial office there after her escape. The total reconstruction gave rise to a flamboyant Gothic church, erected as a collegiate church in 1488.

In the 17th century, major works transformed the interior: suppression of tombs around Antoine de Chabannes (1632), installation of a tile in liais, woodwork, stalls and a redesigned high altar. In 1750, a iron gate forged by Coquet separated the nave from the choir, followed in 1768 by the addition of an organ and its organ. The French Revolution marked a turning point: sold as a national property in 1792, the church was partially demolished in 1813 (clocher-poche), and rebuilt in 1863.

The 19th century saw the state of the building deteriorate until its almost total demolition in 1873, saving only the flamboyant gate and the bell tower. The current reconstruction, carried out in 1902 by architect Defortrie, incorporates historical elements such as the mausoleum of Antoine de Chabannes (XVI century) and the 17th century high altar. Ranked a historic monument in 1939, the church now houses exceptional furniture, including statues, paintings and ironworks from the 17th to 18th centuries.

The classified furniture includes major works: a statue of the dead Christ (15th century), the carved tomb of Antoine de Chabannes, or paintings such as the Assumption of Nicolas Delobel (18th century). A bell of the sixteenth century and liturgical elements (altars, altars, stalls) bear witness to its rich past. The building thus illustrates the architectural and religious transformations of the region, from medieval times to Reconstruction.

The bell tower, 50 meters high, played a scientific role in 1792 when Jean-Baptiste Delambre used it to measure a meridian arc and define the meter. This detail underlines the cultural and technical importance of the monument, far beyond its religious function. Today, the church remains a major testimony of the heritage of the Seine-et-Marnais, mixing local history and sacred art.

External links