Southern Burgundy Romanesque ChurchesUchizy Saint-Pierre

The village church of Uchizy - Saint-Pierre can be seen from miles around thanks to its exceptionally tall bell tower. Construction of Saint-Pierre started in the middle of the 11th century. In the 14th century Saint-Pierre was lengthened as monk housing was built on to the west end and the main entrance closed off. Saint-Pierre is now entered through either the south or north side each has a small porch. The bell tower was once used for defensive purposes; an extra level was added that served as a lookout. The monk housing is still standing but is a private and not viewable.

Saint-Pierre has traits typical of Romanesque churches in the region, three naves, half-barrel vaulting supports the ceiling and it’s well proportioned even the tall bell tower doesn’t look out of place.

Just to be different the builders added some individuality to Saint-Pierre, it has a very high ceiling and its bell tower has four levels each with a different layout and window size.

Saint-Pierre was once part of a priory built by Saint-Philibert Abbey in neighboring Tournus that consisted of the church, monk housing and what is now a chateau, burned by revolutionaries in 1789 but still standing. At one time the south side entrance of Saint-Pierre opened into a courtyard.

Saint-Pierre is presently undergoing renovation on the north side and that entrance is closed.

Hotels in Burgundy