Église Saint-Bernard de Fontaine-lès-Dijon, Medieval parish church in Fontaine-lès-Dijon, France
Église Saint-Bernard de Fontaine-lès-Dijon is a medieval parish church perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, featuring an octagonal bell tower equipped with five bells. The tower shapes the community's skyline, and its bells ring out regularly across the surrounding landscape.
The church rose between the 14th and 16th centuries, replacing a chapel built in 1102 by Saint Alethe of Montbard, mother of Saint Bernard. This construction linked the site more deeply to the local history and spiritual traditions of the region.
The church displays religious artworks including stained glass windows showing Saint Bernard before the Virgin and Child, along with sculptures of holy figures. These artistic elements shape the interior and reflect the spiritual meaning the building holds for its community.
The hilltop location gives this building a prominent place within the town, making it visible from many positions. Access is straightforward, and the church remains open during most seasons, though like all older structures it has some steps and narrow passages inside.
The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter cared for the parish for twenty-four years before departing in summer 2021. Their lengthy presence shaped a period marked by traditional religious practices that had become rare elsewhere in the region.
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