Eglise Saint-Martin

At the time of the Merovingians, there was a chapel on the site of the present church, which was an integral part of the neighbouring feudal castle. In 1220, the bishop of Chalon-sur-Saône established a priory of 12 monks. The primitive church was therefore built during the 12th and 13th centuries. The whole building is inspired by the Cistercian architecture (religious order of Cîteaux). The naves date from the 13th century and one can note in the central nave, a row of small arched bays walled in. The sanctuary has three fluted pillars, typical of Burgundian Romanesque art. The chapels each have a specific feature, whether it be a mass foundation plaque or statues in stone or polychrome wood representing saints. Behind the choir, in the middle of the primitive apse, there are two slabs classified as Historic Monuments. One reminds us that in 1622, the heart of President Jeannin (Lord of Chagny and adviser to King Henry IV) was placed here with that of his wife. The other slab covers the body of Messire Quarré d'Aligny, prior priest of the church of Chagny and commander of Bellecroix. To the left of the entrance, a chapel houses the reconstruction of the grotto of Lourdes. It was erected in 1873 by the inhabitants of Chagny in gratitude for the healing of their priest. Going around the church by the rue des Fossés, you can admire the magnificent Romanesque bell tower with belfry classified as a Historic Monument. Quadrilateral in shape, it is adorned with elegant columns topped by open semi-circular bays.

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