Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon
Église Notre-Dame de Dijon
A 13th-century Burgundian Gothic church whose west façade has 51 exaggerated gargoyles in three rows, and whose tower clock has been striking the hours with its Jacquemart figures for centuries.
Notre-Dame was built around 1220-1240 and is a masterpiece of Burgundian Gothic. Its west façade has two levels of slender colonnettes and three rows of decorative gargoyles, most of which were recarved in the 19th century. The Jacquemart clock on the right tower was brought back by Philip the Bold in 1383 from Flemish spoils of war. Later, a "wife" and two "children" figures were added, and they take turns striking the bell. The church houses the 11th-century Black Madonna known as Notre-Dame de Bon-Espoir, and its stained glass includes original 13th-century panels. Entry is free, and the owl is on the north outer wall.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–19:00 (please keep quiet during services)
Nearby sights
- Owl's Trail
- Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
- Place de la Libération
- Rue Verrerie & Rue des Forges
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
- Les Halles de Dijon
- Church of Saint-Michel, Dijon
- Musée de la Vie bourguignonne