Collégiale de Villemaur-sur-Vanne

Collegiate Notre Dame and its Jubé "MH" is a must-see building in the Pays d'Othe. The sober architecture of the 13th century choir and transept and the 16th century nave are covered with a beautiful wooden hoop. Limestone and wood intimately linked give the treasure of this church "the rood screen" all its importance. Formerly polychrome, this famous rood screen which completely closes off the choir is of remarkable finesse and astonishing decorative richness. Wonderful book of instruction and mediation for the use of pilgrims in the Middle Ages, signed and dated 1521. It is the largest and richest of the remaining wooden rood screens in France. Twenty-six bas-reliefs decorate the gallery: ornaments in the Gothic style on the choir side, in the Renaissance style on the nave side, which mark the transition of art in Champagne at the beginning of the 16th century. The authors here express their belonging to the transitional art of Champagne and are inspired by the engravings of Dürer, Schongauer and Cranach the Elder. Woodwork, stalls, statuary, tombstones from the 13th to the 17th centuries make the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame an exceptional place where art fully expresses the tradition and history of southern Champagne. Outside, an astonishing square tower covered to the ground with chestnut essences, rebuilt after the fire that devastated the city in 1446, acts as a bell tower for the sanctuary. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., subject to work in progress. Visits by appointment by contacting Madame Broquet on +33 (0)3 25 40 83 55 or +33(0)6 67 86 44 94

Last updated on 05/08/2023 - Office de Tourisme Othe Armance