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Origin and history

The Saint-Firmin Church of Senan, originally dedicated to St Stephen, finds its origins in the 12th century with the construction of a priory by monks of the Abbey of Molesme. From this first church, only the choir, rebuilt in the 14th century, remains today. The village of Senan, founded in the 9th century, was then under the co-seigneurie of the clergy of Joigny, the abbey of the Écharlis and, later, the cartreuse of Valprofonde (founded in 1301).

The present nave, rebuilt in the 16th century, adopts a Gothic style flanked by low-sided, while the western facade, of classic style, has a pediment supported by doric pilasters. The dedication of the church then expanded to St.Firmin, bishop of the martyred Amiens of the third-fourth centuries. Inside, the flamboyant-style transept houses chapels decorated with paintings, including a Holy Family by Stephen Azambre (early 20th century) and a 17th-century Saint Stephen. The oak high altar, stalls and torso columns of the altarpiece also date from the seventeenth century.

Four frescoes by Stephen Azambre (1916-1919) decorate the first span, illustrating biblical scenes such as the Annunciation or the Baptism of Christ. Ranked a historic monument in 1911, the church thus blends medieval and Renaissance heritages, testifying to the artistic and religious evolutions of the region. His flamboyant vault square and his Christ at the tomb are among his most remarkable elements.

The building, owned by the municipality of Senan, now depends on the Archdiocese of Sens-Auxerre. Its exact address, 2 Rue de Gros Mont, and its ranking in 1911 underline its heritage importance in the department of l'Yonne, in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.

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