Southern Burgundy Romanesque ChurchesNotre-Dame of Malay

Like several of the Romanesque Churches in the region of Southern Burgundy Notre-Dame of Malay was constructed over a hundred years and once 'finished' many additions were made. The apse, choir, transept and apsidal chapels were built during the late 11th century. The three naves were built during the 12th century and later the bell tower was added, it's thought sometime in the 13th century during the time when Notre-Dame of Malay was being 'fortified.' A gatehouse was added also at this time.

Notre-Dame of Malay has all the traits of a Romanesque church from Southern Burgundy; it is shaped in the form of a cross pointing east. The bell tower is over the crossing, the intersection of the transept (arms of the church), nave and apse (behind the altar). Its design is simple, only the apse has any roundness and buttresses support the outside walls of the transept.

The bell tower of Notre-Dame of Malay is square and very wide but not overly so keeping it in proportion to the rest of the church. Also of note are the twin windows on all sides of its upper most story.

Notre-Dame of Malay is located in the village of Malay off the D 981 road not far from Cluny and about 45 minutes from the Tournus and the A6 Autoroute.

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Malay

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