Brienne-le-chateau

Dominating the city and the surroundings, it is situated on a mound in left artificial.

After the de Brienne family, the Loménie, by the purchase, succeed the Luxembourg in 1640, and become the new possessors of the Château.

After the feudal abode, a new structure begin in 1770, on the plans of the architect Jean-Louis Fontaine, was finished in 1778.
Even if its appearance remains simple and characterized by its pure lines, it is a magnificent building

This structure conceals elements of the different periods of the religious architecture of the Middle Age at the XIX century.

If the Tower built in 1790 appears rather temperate, on the other hand the nave and the choir impress by their splendor. The two engaged pillars in the wall of the front and those of the top of the nave are from the 12th century.

The other elements of the harmonious proportions are at the 14th century. In the sanctuary from the 16th century, in gothic style, you can admire:

• beautiful arches in champagne rock,
• remarkable stained glass windows from 1550 to 1557, in Champagne grisaille,
• a remarkable gate Louis XV in ironworks that surrounds the choir.

The classified church historic Monument presents statues, paintings, bas-reliefs of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Very damaged by fire in June 1940, its restoration was finished in 1965.

This building ensemble was edified in accordance to the last will of Napoléon Bonaparte of April 15 1821, where the Emperor left 1 200 000 francs to the city of Brienne.

The works were executed under Napoléon III that in 1852 has creates a commission in charge of rediscovering the parties of the will of the Emperor proving its wills.
Finally, only 400 000 frencs will be employed following manner: creation of a statue of the young Napoléon Bonaparte student in the Military School of Brienne, construction of a town Hall, renovation of the church, added beds in the Hospice and repair works.