Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, Melun

The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, known locally as Collégiale Notre-Dame de Melun, stands majestically on the Île Saint-Étienne in Melun, France. This historic church, with its twin towers and Romanesque-Gothic architecture, is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. As you approach the church, its imposing façade and intricate details invite you to step back in time and explore a millennium of history.

A Rich Historical Tapestry

The foundation of the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame dates back to the early 11th century, between 1016 and 1031, under the reign of King Robert II of France, also known as Robert the Pious. The church was built on the site of an earlier church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, marking the Capetian kings' assertion of control over the county of Melun. By 1031, the nave, aisles, transept, and the base of the towers were already constructed, showcasing the Romanesque style with its sturdy square pillars and small windows.

The church originally housed twelve canons and featured a flat wooden ceiling. The towers, completed around 1100, are part of a significant group of 10th-century religious buildings, including Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Morienval. After a devastating fire in the 12th century, the church was rebuilt in stone, and Romanesque pillars were enhanced with columns to support ribbed vaults. The choir was reconstructed in the Gothic style starting in 1161 and was consecrated in 1198, adorned with sculpted capitals in the upper parts of the nave.

A Royal Connection

The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame has hosted numerous royal ceremonies, including the marriage of Saint Louis's daughter, Isabelle, to Thibaut II of Navarre. The towers, dating from the 11th century, were restored between 1515 and 1524, bearing the salamander emblem of King Francis I. The central portal was also redesigned in the 16th century, featuring 16th-century doors with four medallions depicting human figures in medieval headgear, and a bearded monk in prayer atop the central post. The side doors, dating from the 18th century, share similar decorative motifs.

Architectural Beauty and Restoration

The nave of the church stretches 32 meters in length, and although the chapels built along the aisles were destroyed in 1773, the church's grandeur remains intact. To fund these renovations, the famous Melun Diptych, a 15th-century masterpiece by Jean Fouquet, was sold and dispersed. The canons were disbanded during the French Revolution, and the church was closed in 1844. However, it was restored between 1851 and 1862, thanks to funds raised through a lottery. During this restoration, the towers were dismantled stone by stone to reinforce the foundations before being reassembled, incorporating some of the original materials.

The roof and most of the stained glass windows were destroyed during World War II bombings. The missing windows were replaced in 1955 by Calixte Poupart, depicting scenes of the Virgin Mary and local saints Étienne, Aspais, and Liesne. The interior and exterior of the church underwent partial restoration between 2003 and 2005, led by Jacques Moulin, the chief architect of Historical Monuments.

The Pauline Viardot Organ

One of the unique features of the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is its organ, originally a salon organ crafted by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1851 for the famous opera singer Pauline Viardot. The organ's neo-Renaissance case is adorned with intricate carvings, including musical instruments and the initials V and G for Viardot-Garcia. The organ traveled extensively with Viardot before being sold to the church in 1883. Despite suffering damage during World War II, the organ remains a cherished and historically significant instrument, classified as a historic object in 1989 and its case in 2013.

The Melun Diptych

The church once housed the renowned Melun Diptych, created around 1450 by Jean Fouquet at the behest of Étienne Chevalier, treasurer of France under Charles VII. The diptych featured a nursing Madonna surrounded by angels and a depiction of Chevalier with his patron saint, Saint Stephen. The Madonna is believed to bear the likeness of Agnès Sorel, King Charles VII's mistress and Chevalier's close associate. The diptych was sold before the French Revolution to fund church renovations, and its panels are now housed in museums in Antwerp and Berlin, with a photographic reproduction displayed in the church.

In 2013, the city of Melun celebrated the millennial anniversary of the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame with numerous events and activities, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. A commemorative postage stamp was also issued in honor of this milestone. Visiting the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is not just an exploration of architectural beauty but a journey through centuries of French history, royal ceremonies, and artistic heritage. This remarkable church continues to stand as a symbol of Melun's rich past and enduring legacy.