Dijon Notre-Dame Basilica

Dijon Notre-Dame Basilica

Dijon Notre-Dame Basilica (Église Notre-Dame de Dijon) is a masterpiece of 13th-century Gothic architecture, located at the heart of Dijon's protected area, near the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, and facing Rue Musette. The current building is estimated to have been constructed between 1220 and 1240. This moderately sized church houses a Black Virgin statue and is also adorned with two of Dijon’s city symbols: the Jacques-Coeur Clock and the Owl.

Dijon’s Jacques-Coeur Clock is unique, featuring four small figures that strike the bell on a schedule: at the hour, Jacques and Jacqueline ring the large bell with hammers, while their “children,” Jacquelinet and Jacquelinette, ring the smaller bell every quarter hour. In 1382, Philip II of Burgundy brought Jacques from Kortrijk, Belgium, and it was installed on the south tower of the basilica the following year. In 1651, a woman named Jacqueline was added to take turns ringing the bell with Jacques. Around 1714 or shortly after, a boy named Jacquelinette was added at the request of local poet Aimé Piron. In 1884, another girl named Jacquelinette was added. In 1840, Dijon Notre-Dame Basilica was listed as a French Historical Monument.

Église Notre-Dame de Dijon

Why you should visit: One of the most outstanding examples of 13th-century Gothic architecture

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: France[France]

Province/State: Burgundy Region [Burgundy Region]

City: Dijon [Dijon]