The medieval church of Grandson: a gem of the Romanesque art
Romanesque (11th cent.) church. Noteworthy for its dependency of the Chaise-Dieu Abbey in Auvergne, and not Cluny, its rival
The church of St-Jean-Baptiste, a monument of national importance, is located in the heart of Grandson. This extremely beautiful church was built in the 12th century and is a part of the historical heritage of churches in our region that were subordinate to the Benedictine congregation of La Chaise-Dieu, which no longer exists.
At the beginning of the 14th century, the chevet of the church started to be built in the Gothic style thanks to major donations by Othon I from Grandson. In 1438 the inhabitants of Grandson could attend services and have their children baptised. In 1554, the monastery was dissolved and the church was used for the services of the Reformed church.
The church was then maintained by the cities of Berne and Fribourg and became the property of the Lake Geneva Region in 1803. After first renovations in 1889, it was declared a historical building in 1900. From 1999 to 2006 it was again renovated under the responsibility of the State of Vaud. This edifice is listed as a historical monument of national importance. Together with the cathedral in Lausanne and the abbey church in Romainmôtier, it is one of the very few buildings under state responsibility.
Address
Rue Haute 23
1422 Grandson













