Saint-Urbain Basilica

You’re now standing in front of the stunning Saint-Urbain Basilica, considered a perfect example of Gothic architecture. Troyes built this magnificent basilica in the elegant Rayonnant Gothic style to honor one of its own—Jacques Pantaléon, the son of a local cobbler, who rose through the Church ranks to become Pope in 1261 under the name Urban IV. He chose to build a collegiate church dedicated to Pope Urban I, his mentor, right on the site of his parents’ former workshop—his birthplace. With significant funds at his disposal, he was able to create a church of perfect proportions, adorned with intricate stone tracery and bathed in light from its beautiful stained-glass windows. The result was such a masterpiece that it earned the nickname “The Pantheon of Champagne.” The three entrance portals date back to the 13th century, and if you step inside, you’ll see original stained-glass windows from around 1270, restored in 1992 by the Le Vitrail workshop in Troyes. In 1935, this native son was finally laid to rest in the place where he was born, and the church was granted the title of minor basilica in 1964. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1840.