Recent archaeological excavations carried out at the Saint-Philibert church in Dijon have revealed a complex historical stratification, from the Roman Empire to modern times. Conducted by the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) and directed by archaeologists Clarisse Couderc and Carole Fossurier, these discoveries shed light on the architectural evolution of the site and its funerary role over the centuries.
Excavations inside the church of Dijon. Credit: Christophe Fouquin, Inrap
Located on rue Michelet, next to the Saint-Bénigne cathedral, the Saint-Philibert church is a Romanesque masterpiece founded at the end of the 12th century. Over time, the church has undergone significant modifications, including a 15th-century portico, a 16th-century spire, and 18th-century chapels. Despite its grandeur, the structure has suffered from deterioration over the centuries, exacerbated by salt deposits in the 18th and 19th centuries and a hot concrete slab installed in the 1970s. The intrusions caused the salt to rise by capillary action, leading to cracking and brittleness of the stones.The site has long served as a burial ground, with tombs from different eras reflecting the evolution of the region's cultural and religious practices. In the nave, archaeologists have discovered tombs dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries. These tombs, arranged from east to west, usually contain adults wrapped in shrouds, with minimal offerings such as coins or rosaries. In the transept, a 15th-16th century vestry reveals a practice of rearranging ancient remains to accommodate new cemeteries.
Set of burials from the modern-era cemetery. Credit: Clarisse Couderc, Inrap
Under these levels, the team discovered slab tombs dating from the 11th to the 13th century, linked to a previous church discovered during excavations in 1923. Even further down, the walls built in opus spicatum, a herringbone masonry technique from the Middle Ages, indicated the presence of a 10th century church. This early structure, possibly the northwest corner of a sacred building, offers a rare view of the ecclesiastical architecture of the period.
Overview of the four sarcophagi from Late Antiquity located along a north-south axis wall. Credit: Clarisse Couderc, Inrap
One of the most remarkable discoveries is a collection of sarcophagi dating from late antiquity and the Merovingian period (6th-8th centuries). Among them, finely carved examples suggest the burial of the elite. Housed in structures that no longer exist, the sarcophagi highlight the importance of the site as a religious and funerary center during the transition from the Roman world to the early Middle Ages.
Dedicated to Saint Philibert, the monk and founder of monasteries in the 7th century, the church may symbolize a link of continuity between the late Roman elite and the Merovingian rulers. Saint Philibert lived in a time of transformation where Roman structures were giving way to Christianized societies. His legacy, linked to monastic networks and spiritual centers, reflects the lasting influence of Rome's cultural and administrative frameworks.
Merovingian sarcophagus (6th-8th century) made of limestone. Credit: Clarisse Couderc, Inrap
While the archaeological findings provide invaluable insights, the Church of Saint-Philibert faces significant preservation challenges. Efforts are ongoing to mitigate salt damage and protect the fragile stones.
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