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Cathedral · Dijon, Borgonha-Franco-Condado
Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne de Dijon
13th-century Gothic cathedral, with a roof of colourful glazed tiles and a Romanesque crypt from the year 1000, the only remaining part of a large three-storey rotunda.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne de Dijon
The Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne is dedicated to Saint Benignus, a 2nd-century Christian martyr considered the evangelizer of Borgonha. It began as the church of a Benedictine abbey and only became a cathedral in 1792.
The current building is Gothic, from the 13th century, in the Borgonha style, with a roof of glazed tiles arranged in colourful geometric patterns, typical of the region. Inside, the nave is plain and tall, and the 18th-century organ occupies the rear wall.
The oldest part lies beneath: the crypt. Around the year 1000, Abbot Guilherme de Volpiano ordered the construction there of a three-storey rotunda over the saint’s tomb. The lower level, with Romanesque columns and carved capitals, is the only surviving part and houses the sarcophagus attributed to Saint Benignus.
Beside the cathedral, in the former abbey buildings, is the Dijon archaeological museum, which holds sculptural fragments from the Puits de Moïse.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes, including the crypt.
Best time
During the day, outside mass times. The afternoon light enhances the colourful roof as seen from the street.
How to get there
It is on the Place Saint-Bénigne, in the western part of the historic centre, about a 10-minute walk from Dijon-Ville station and roughly 10 minutes from the Palais des ducs.
Tip
Be sure to go down to the crypt, whose entrance is inside the cathedral. The roof is best seen from the Rue du Docteur Maret or from the top of the Tour Philippe le Bon.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne de Dijon
What is special about the crypt?
It is what remains of a three-storey rotunda built around the year 1000 over the tomb of Saint Benignus. It has Romanesque columns and capitals and is much older than the church above.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, entrance to the cathedral is free. Check whether the crypt is open on the day of your visit.
Is it far from the center?
No. It is on the western side of the historic centre, about a 10-minute walk from the Palais des ducs and the station.