The Romanesque church of Saint-Philibert in Dijon, France, has unveiled a significant historical connection. Archaeologists from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) discovered a burial crypt over 400 years old, along with even older tomb remains dating back to Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. This finding enhances understanding of burial practices of the era and provides valuable data on the architectural and cultural evolution of the region.
Wooden coffins containing human remains wrapped in shrouds were found, alongside coins and rosaries, reflecting the spiritual beliefs of the deceased. Excavations revealed that burials followed a common practice of the time: rearranging bones from previous graves to make room for new bodies. This pragmatic custom illustrates how medieval communities valued the reuse of sacred spaces.
The discovered remains include sarcophagi from Late Antiquity and the Merovingian period, suggesting that the site served as an important burial center from ancient times.
Saint-Philibert, built in the 12th century, is the only surviving example of Romanesque architecture in Dijon. However, its history is not solely one of devotion; during the 18th and 19th centuries, the church was used as a salt warehouse, causing significant structural damage. Salt permeated the ground, affecting the stones and pillars of the building. In the 1970s, a heated concrete slab exacerbated the issue, trapping moisture and accelerating material deterioration. Preservation efforts for this historical heritage continue.
Recent discoveries also indicate the presence of an earlier ecclesiastical structure, possibly from the 10th century. Walls built using the opus spicatum technique, characteristic of the Early Middle Ages, were found beneath the current foundations. This finding suggests that the site was a religious center before the construction of the Romanesque church, adding another layer of history to an already significant site. Evidence indicates that the location has been sacred for over a millennium, adapting to the needs of each era.
Among the most notable finds is a set of Late Antiquity sarcophagi, some with sculpted lids, a rare detail suggesting that the burials belonged to prominent figures of the time. These sarcophagi were arranged within vanished structures, reinforcing the idea that the site was a significant burial center during the transition from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages. Archaeologists believe these discoveries may clarify how local communities faced cultural and religious changes during that period.
The church of Saint-Philibert remains a symbol of Dijon’s living history. Each archaeological finding adds new pieces to the puzzle of its past and presents challenges for future conservation. The impact of salt on the stones continues to be a persistent issue, but efforts to mitigate damage are underway. Meanwhile, the church remains a place of reflection and connection to the past, testifying to the historical and cultural changes that have shaped the region for over a millennium.