ÉGLISE NOTRE-DAME
This edifice, built between 1220 and 1240, is a jewel of Gothic art, described by Viollet-le-Duc as a "masterpiece of reason".
As the oldest church in Dijon, Notre-Dame church is for many people in Dijon an emblem, so beautiful is it that it is inscribed in everyone's heart! In 2020, it celebrated its 800th anniversary. A jewel of Gothic art described by Viollet-le-Duc as "a masterpiece of reason", built between 1220 and 1240 before being restored between 1865 and 1884. The interior of the church is astonishing for its harmonious proportions and the elegance of its decoration: delicate tapered columns, slender vaults, height and luminosity of the lantern tower. In the north transept, 13th century stained glass windows are still visible under the rose. At the back of the church, in the chapel to the right of the choir, Notre-Dame de Bon-Espoir, one of the oldest wooden statues of the Virgin in France, dates from the 11th century and protects the town. As for the exterior, it is also an enchantment as there are so many things to discover! Stop in front of Notre-Dame and admire the Jacquemart on the right bell tower. The Jacquemart was brought back from Courtrai in 1383 and since then Jacquemart, his wife and their children have been telling the time to passers-by. Then, admire the screen facade, unique in France! Three rows of gargoyles are presented to you... And to observe them fully, stand just below, raise your head and walk slowly. They appear one by one! Finally, on the left of the church, you will discover the famous owl which fulfils the wishes of the people of Dijon when they come to stroke it with their left hand!
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