Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste - Nemours

Remarkable for its imposing dimensions, the church of Saint Jean-Baptiste dominates the Loing. Its architecture is enhanced by the elegance of its slate roofs.


It was founded by Gautier I de Nemours in 1170, with the agreement of the King of France Louis VII and Guillaume de Champagne archbishop of Sens, with the aim of receiving the relics of the Saint brought back from Sebaste.


It consists of 3 parts of distinct ages:


  • The 17th century porch: surmounted by a spire rising to about 60 metres, it is part of the original building (its archivolts still appear Romanesque) and offers characteristic elements of early Gothic
  • Reconstruction in the 16th and 17th centuries: Probably destroyed in the town fire at the beginning of the 15th century, the church was rebuilt from 1445 and consecrated in 1595. The choir was built in the 16th century and the nave was raised in the 17th century. Built on a rectangular plan, the building has three radiating chapels with polygonal belfries, as well as the beginning of a transept which was never completed.
  • The interior was refurbished in the 19th century: the stained glass windows were installed around 1850, the neo-Gothic furniture was made around 1890, in particular the stone and marble high altar dedicated to Saint Jean the Baptist.


There are some interesting elements inside:


  • A bronze sculpture of a Pieta and a plaque depicting the Resurrection of Christ by Justin-Chrysostome Sanson
  • An organ dating from 1653
  • The "Philippe" bell, donated in 1672 when Philippe, Duke of Orleans and brother of Louis XIV, became Duke of Nemours.

 

First listed as a "Monument Historique" in 1841, then downgraded in 1894, it was listed in the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques in 1928 and reclassified in 1977.


A restoration campaign is currently underway to preserve this architectural jewel.


More about Nemours


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