Église Saint-Saturnin de Saulieu, Romanesque church in Saulieu, France.
The Église Saint-Saturnin is a Romanesque church with rounded arches, thick stone walls, and a distinctive tower crowned with shingles of oak or chestnut wood. The structure displays the typical features of this medieval building style.
This church was built on the site of a Gallo-Roman cemetery where several ancient roads met, including the Via Agrippa. Construction began in the 11th century and continued through the 14th century, with a significant choir extension added in the 17th century.
The church houses the tombs of chef Bernard Loiseau and sculptor François Pompon, both important figures in local memory. These burials reflect how the place has been a center of remembrance for people the town holds dear.
The church is located on rue de Verdun and remains open for religious services. Plan your visit around service times to ensure you can enter, as the building may have limited hours for other visitors.
The church's roof was traditionally shingled with wood from local oak or chestnut trees, a crafted detail most visitors overlook. This choice reflected both practical durability and a connection to the forests surrounding Saulieu.
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