Notre-Dame of Dijon, Dijon
The Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon is a Roman Catholic from the 13th century.
The Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon is a Roman Catholic from the 13th century. Located in the historical heart of the city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The flat western façade is unique in French Gothic architecture, featuring 3 levels of arcades. The lowest level has 3 arches leading to the porch, while the upper levels feature galleries of superimposed arches on 17 columns crowned with capitals, and underlined by decorative gargoyles alternating with the metopes. The south tower features the clock and the 4 metal automatons that strike a bell with a hammer – the iconic Jacquemart and Jacqueline which ring the hours, and Jacquelinet and Jacquelinette which strike the quarter-hours. Another icon of Dijon, the Owl of Notre-Dame, can be found on the north corner about 6 feet off the ground. It is believed to be a good luck charm, so make a wish while touching it with your left hand.
Laid out in a Latin Cross plan, the interiors of the church feature several works of art. The highlight is the wooden statue of Notre-Dame de Bon-Espoir (Our Lady of Good Hope), also known as the Black Madonna, located in the south apsidiole above an altar of goldsmithery. The 11th century figurine of the Virgin is considered as one of the oldest in France. Below the church organ is the Terribilis tapestry created in 1946-'50 at the Gobelins factory, depicting the Notre-Dame de Bon-Espoir protecting the residents of Dijon from evil elements. It commemorates the retreat of Swiss invaders in 1513, and the liberation of the city in 1944. Also of note are the 13th century stained glass windows in in the lancets of the north arm of the transept. The first 2 illustrate episodes from the life of Saint Peter, and the next 3 depict events from the life of Saint Andrew.
