ÉGLISE SAINT-ÉTIENNE

The collegiate church of Saint-Pierre was founded and enriched by the Dukes of Bar in the flamboyant Gothic style with some Renaissance ornaments. Originally reserved for the officers of the city administration, the Revolution transformed it into a parish church. Today, it houses the remains of the tombs of the Dukes of Bar.
The collegiate church, served by a college of canons, was erected in 1315 by Duke Edward I on the site of an old chapel. The numerous conflicts that the city underwent during the Hundred Years War damaged the first building. It was restored several times in the 15th century. Like many churches in the region, it is built on a hall type where the side aisles are as high as the central nave, thus giving it great clarity. Although the overall structure of the building is Gothic, many details show the appearance of a new aesthetic. The flamboyant decoration characterized by a great technical virtuosity and the search for naturalism (flames, curled cabbages and vine shoots) is combined with ornaments of a new taste stemming from the Italian fashion imported by the Anjou family, then in possession of the duchy. The façade was built between 1513 and 1520, while the bell tower dates from 1630.
In 1782, the other collegiate church of the city, Saint-Maxe, became a parish church. The chapter of Saint-Maxe merged with that of Saint-Pierre and brought with it its treasure, its relics as well as the remains of the sovereigns of the Barrois. During the Revolution, the building was mutilated and plundered, the statues in the façade were removed, and the coats of arms and blazons that covered the church were removed. In view of the deteriorating state of the building, restoration work was undertaken in the 19th century. The church contains a rich furniture and several works of art, including two pieces by the sculptor Ligier Richier: the Transi, a major masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, and the Christ and the two thieves.
Open from April to October. Guided tours for groups all year round and on reservation.

DATAtourisme France