Former Saint-Étienne church

Located a stones throw from the Dukes’ Palace, this church seems to have lived several lives, as seen on the different centuries drawn on its walls. Built in the 15th century, it was restored in the 17th century and its facade dates from the 18th century. It would appear, however, that its history goes back much further than that: the first church was built here in the 5th century, housing a community of secular clerics. It was shut down during the French Revolution, then converted into the Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the end of the 19th century. That’s why it’s now known as the former church of Saint-Étienne. During your visit, you’ll come across two others. Did you know that Dijon was nicknamed the City of a Hundred Steeples? From the very beginning of its history, the town was home to a number of religious buildings, but during the Ancien Régime, new religious institutions were added, and at the same time, new chapels, monasteries and churches were built to complete the landscape. In the narrow historic centre alone, you will pass by 6 churches, only 3 of which are still used for religious worship. This one now houses the municipal library and the Rude Museum, where you can admire the works of Dijon sculptor François Rude.