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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Nolay Grain Hall is an emblematic medieval building located in Place de la Halle, in the heart of the village of Nolay in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Built at the end of the 14th century, it is distinguished by its roof with four slopes covered with washes of Burgundy (thin limestone), weighing between 600 and 800 kg/m2. Its oak and chestnut frame, based on stone blocks, houses an engraved beam of the date 1388, considered to be that of its construction. Close to Saint Martin's church, it illustrates the utilitarian and community architecture of the late Middle Ages.

Ranked a historic monument by decree of 13 July 1907, the hall was acquired by the State on 6 August 1936 before being assigned to historical monuments in 1937. Its roof was completely restored in 1951 by specialized services. Excavations carried out in 1995 revealed the remains of a common oven (municipal furnace), destroyed in 1763 because of the repeated fires it caused. This oven, essential to medieval daily life, bears witness to the versatile use of the hall, combining storage of grains and collective services.

Architecturally, the hall is characterized by its rectangular plan and its pavilion attic, typical of the Burgundian buildings of the period. The washes of Burgundy, local materials, reflect regional coverage techniques, while the solid wood frame highlights the know-how of 14th century artisans. Its acquisition by the State in the 20th century allowed its preservation, making it a rare and intact example of medieval hall in France.

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