Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption-des-Champs de Rancenay, also known as Notre-Dame-des-Champs, was attested as early as 1341 as a chapel dependent on the seigneur of Montferrand. Its medieval origin is visible through architectural elements such as a geminate window and arc departures into the sacristy. These traces suggest that the flat bedside, adorned with berry paired in third point, may date from this initial period.

In 1725, a bell tower characteristic of the Franche-Comté, surmounted by a dome to imperial, was added to the building. This type of structure, typical of the region, reflects the local architectural influences of the modern era. The church thus preserves a mixture of styles, mixing Gothic heritage and baroque additions franc-comtois.

In the 19th century, between 1833 and 1835, the bisontin architect Alphonse Delacroix conducted important restoration works. In particular, he designed the sacristy at the bottom of the choir and designed a ceiling with painted caissons, decorated with trilobed crosses, which embellished the nave and the choir. These interventions partially transform the interior while respecting its historical character.

The church was listed as historic monuments on 2 August 2006, recognizing its heritage value. During renovations carried out in 2009 and 2011, a 14th century wall painting representing the Annunciation was rediscovered, confirming the old age and artistic richness of the place. Today, the building depends on the parish of Notre-Dame-du-Mont, attached to the diocese of Besançon.

Architecturally, the church is distinguished by its bell tower-porch with a dome to imperial, symbol of the franc-comtanian heritage. Inside, the flat bedside and the geminied bays recall its medieval origin, while the ceiling-painted boxes testify to the beautifications of the 19th century. These characteristics make it a representative example of the evolution of rural churches in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.

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