Saint Philibert’s Church in Dijon was being restored by archaeologists when they found out that it was hiding a 400-year-old secret. The restorers decided to dig down to parts of the church that hadn’t been seen for a long time. Around the pillars, underneath the church’s main chamber, there were traces of the walls of a much older building hidden underneath.
An Ancient Discovery
The restorer’s began digging to establish how the church’s foundations had held up through the centuries. The archaeologists were only supposed to restore the church, but once they noticed that the church had undocumented evidence of old rooms, it quickly became a dig site to find out what the church had been hiding for centuries.
The Church of Saint Philibert
The Church of Saint Philibert is a Romanesque structure built in the late 12th century and is the only remaining Romanesque church in Dijon. Over the centuries, it has undergone various renovations and restorations. The recent work revealed layers of history previously closed off without anyone discovering the secrets that the entrance led to.
The Hidden Staircase
The staircase had been forgotten and concealed for decades, likely sealed off during previous renovations in the 1970s. The staircase had been hidden underneath the foundation pillars and once they dug deep enough, they stumbled upon them. Its discovery meant there was more to learn in the church’s long and complex history.
Archaeological Significance
The excavation revealed a burial vault that holds significant historical value. Archaeologists found several coffins containing adults and children, showcasing burial practices from centuries ago. This find could give us a closer look into the funerary customs and social structures of past societies in this region.
Contents of the Vault
Inside the vault, archaeologists discovered multiple coffins, rare coins, and rosaries, but no other artifacts. The presence of rosaries and coins suggests that the deceased were likely members of the local community or individuals of importance during their time. Each item adds depth to our understanding of their lives.
Age of the Vault
The burial vault is believed to date back to the 15th or 16th century, making it a crucial piece of history for researchers studying this era. The findings indicate that this site has served as an important location for burials over centuries, reflecting changing societal values and practices.
Multiple Layers Of History
The current findings confirm that multiple layers of history exist under Saint Philibert. with remnants of the older building being built over, this implies that multiple societies in different portions of history frequented the church. This revealed its long-standing significance as a burial site and religious center.
Restoration Challenges
The church has faced numerous challenges over the years, including damage from salt erosion due to its previous use as a salt storage facility. These restoration efforts have now transformed into an archaeological exploration, uncovering layers of history that were previously hidden from view.
Community Impact
The discovery has sparked considerable interest among locals and tourists alike. The Church of Saint Philibert is now seen not just as a place of worship but also as a historical site. Hopefully, this newfound attention will boost tourism and community pride.
Future Research Opportunities
Archaeologists are eager to continue their research at this site. Further excavations may reveal more about the lives and deaths of those buried there, as well as additional artifacts that could provide context about daily life during that time period. The potential for new discoveries is immense.
Preservation Efforts
As restoration continues, efforts will be made to preserve both the church and its newfound treasures. This includes careful handling of artifacts and ensuring that any further excavations are conducted responsibly to protect this significant historical site for future generations.
Historical Context
Understanding the historical context of this discovery is essential. The Church of Saint Philibert served as a funerary center during significant transitions from the Roman era to the Early Middle Ages. These recent findings could reflect changes in burial practices, religious beliefs, and societal norms throughout its long history.
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Staircase leading into forgotten 400-year-old vault unearthed at church in France
Hidden staircase in church leads archaeologists to unearth 400-year-old burial vault
