Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Bernard de Fontaine-lès-Dijon found its origins in the 12th century, when Saint Alèthe de Montbard, mother of Saint Bernard de Clairvaux, built in 1102 a chapel dedicated to Saint Ambrosinien in front of his castle. This place also marks the birth of Saint Bernard in 1090, giving the site a major spiritual and historical dimension.

The present building, erected between the 14th and 16th centuries, replaces the early chapel. It is distinguished by its octagonal bell tower and its five bell carillon. The church was placed under the name of Saint Bernard in 1860, strengthening its link with the emblematic figure of the region. Until 2021, it was served by Saint Peter's priestly fraternity, before a pastoral change decided by the Archbishop of Dijon.

Ranked a historic monument since 1945, the church houses contemporary stained glass windows made in 1975 by Raymond Dumoux, installed by the Picard workshop in Chapaize. These artistic elements, added late, contrast with medieval architecture while highlighting the cultural vitality of the place. The site, including the nearby castle-basilica, forms a coherent heritage complex dedicated to Saint Bernard.

The church illustrates the architectural and religious evolution of Burgundy, mixing medieval heritage and modern contributions. Its location on a hill overlooks Fontaine-les-Dijon, symbolizing its central role in local community and spiritual life for nearly a millennium.

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