Auxerre, Medieval urban complex in Burgundy, France
Description
Auxerre is a town in the Yonne department of Burgundy where the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne features three sculpted doorways, a rose window, and a northwest tower. The Abbey of Saint-Germain houses beneath its floor Carolingian crypts with religious wall paintings, while along the Yonne River half-timbered houses and stone buildings define the urban landscape.
History
The settlement originated as a Roman provincial capital called Autissiodorum and became an ecclesiastical center with a bishop's seat in the 3rd century. During medieval times the town developed into an important religious and commercial node in the Yonne valley.
Culture
The crypts beneath the Abbey of Saint-Germain date from the 9th century and preserve Carolingian wall paintings. Visitors today can view some of France's oldest religious frescoes in the underground chambers where bishops of Auxerre were once laid to rest.
Practical
Visitors can explore the medieval quarters on foot, with most major landmarks located within the historic center. The crypts beneath Saint-Germain require descending steep stairs, which may be difficult for people with limited mobility.
Did you know?
Archaeological excavations in 2024 uncovered a Roman cemetery containing 250 infant burials, offering insights into ancient funerary practices. The discovery occurred during urban development work and greatly expanded knowledge of Roman life in Autissiodorum.
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Auxerre Cathedral
448 m
Abbey of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre
553 m
Clock tower of Auxerre
280 m
Église Saint-Pierre d'Auxerre
661 m
Église Saint-Eusèbe d'Auxerre
373 m
Ancien hôpital psychiatrique de l'Yonne
685 m
Museum Leblanc-Duvernoy
253 m
Le Silex
1.1 km
Musée Saint-Germain
500 m
Abbaye Saint-Marien d'Auxerre
875 m
Palais épiscopal d'Auxerre
524 m
Parc de l’Arbre-Sec
1.4 kmAbbaye Saint-Julien d'Auxerre
1.3 kmAbbaye des Isles d'Auxerre
3 km
Theater of Auxerre
539 m
Pont Paul Bert
864 mAbbaye Notre-Dame-La-D'Hors
875 m
Statue de Paul Bert
850 mMosquée Khadija d'Auxerre
1.5 km
Passage couvert Manifacier
370 m
Grave of Paul Bert
854 m
War memorial of Auxerre
607 mPont de pierre
5 km
Monument à Surugue
641 m
Église Saint-Loup de Vaux
5 km
Église des Ursulines d'Auxerre
96 m
Église Saint-Maurice d'Augy
4.5 km
Chapelle de la Madeleine d'Auxerre
587 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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