NOTRE-DAME-DU-FORT CHURCH

The collegiate church of Notre-Dame-du-Fort, located in the heart of the city, was founded in the 11th century, probably by King Robert the Pious; he had established one of his residences in Étampes. It is a canons' chapter that occupied the church and lived in the surrounding area. The parish church, dedicated to the laity, was then Saint-Basile. The power of the canons, supported by the kings, certainly explains the beauty of the building, whose curious plan reflects the variety of styles. From the original building, there remains today the crypt and the first steps of the staircase leading to the bell tower. The collegiate church was rebuilt from 1130 onwards, from the west. Jewels from different periods can be admired all around the building: the southern portal features admirable 12th century sculptures, mutilated during the Revolution. The column statues highlight representations of Old Testament characters, themselves surmounted by capitals representing the incarnation of Christ and redemption. The organ case dates from the end of the 16th century. In the northern collateral, we will stop in front of the Sibyllese stained glass window (1550) and the keystones, another fine example of 12th century sculpture. The choir marks the arrival in Étampes of the warhead vault.