Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dole
Once the powerful capital of the county of Burgundy, Dole has built up a rich heritage over the course of its history. The imposing bell tower of the collegiate church that dominates the town bears witness to this glorious past.
The collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Dole is located in the old town, which wraps around it. Built in the 16th century after being pillaged by Louis XI, it symbolises the city's recovery. Its powerful 73-metre high bell tower-porch evokes the intensity of the religious struggles of the time.
Inside, you will be struck by the sheer volume of the interior, accentuated by the sobriety of its late Gothic lines. Its furnishings and decorations, donated by the town's highest notables, are the first works of the Doloise Renaissance.
The façade of the Sainte-Chapelle, the organ loft and the pulpit are adorned with marble polychromes featuring foliage, interlacing motifs and birds, typical of the Dole workshop. Take a look at the exceptional 3,500-pipe great organ built by the German Riepp, one of the very few 18th-century examples in France.
Its consecration in 1951 also earned it the title of minor basilica.
The subject of a major restoration programme over the last 20 years, it now offers visitors all the splendour of a jewel.
The collegiate church is open from 8.30am to 7pm every day.
The collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Dole is located in the old town, which wraps around it. Built in the 16th century after being pillaged by Louis XI, it symbolises the city's recovery. Its powerful 73-metre high bell tower-porch evokes the intensity of the religious struggles of the time.
Inside, you will be struck by the sheer volume of the interior, accentuated by the sobriety of its late Gothic lines. Its furnishings and decorations, donated by the town's highest notables, are the first works of the Doloise Renaissance.
The façade of the Sainte-Chapelle, the organ loft and the pulpit are adorned with marble polychromes featuring foliage, interlacing motifs and birds, typical of the Dole workshop. Take a look at the exceptional 3,500-pipe great organ built by the German Riepp, one of the very few 18th-century examples in France.
Its consecration in 1951 also earned it the title of minor basilica.
The subject of a major restoration programme over the last 20 years, it now offers visitors all the splendour of a jewel.
The collegiate church is open from 8.30am to 7pm every day.
GPS coordinates : 47.09267044, 5.49451017
