Commanderie templière d'Epailly
The Commandery of Epailly
An imposing witness to the Templars in Burgundy
Listed in the inventory and a Templar chapel dating from the end of the 12th century, classified as a historic monument.
Set in an exceptional location away from the main roads, the Commanderie d'Epailly is a homogeneous group of buildings dating from the medieval era.
The Templar chapel, built at the end of the 12th century and remarkably well restored, is the main attraction. There are also two barns, one of which has a magnificent roof frame, a vaulted room beneath the commander's dwelling, a defensive tower, a curtain wall and moats - all the remains of one of the most important commanderies in the region.
The origins of the Commandery are closely linked to the history of the Order of the Temple. This military order was probably founded in 1120 by Hugues de Payns, Lord of Montigny, a village near Montbard, with the blessing of Saint Bernard. Its members included many knights from the aristocratic families of Burgundy and Champagne. Commanderies, such as that of
of Epailly, were responsible for managing vast estates, often donated to the Temple by wealthy local lords. Their income was used to run the strongholds held by the Order of the Temple in the Middle East, which were intended to protect the Christian kingdoms created in the wake of the Crusades. After the elimination of the Templars (1307-1314), the Order's assets passed to the Hospitallers of Jerusalem, another military order, which later became the Sovereign Order of Malta.
During the French Revolution, the Commanderies' estates and buildings were dispersed as national property. In Epailly, the chapel fell into negligent hands, was converted into a barn and twice threatened with destruction.
Today, with the support of the State and local authorities, the owner is doing her utmost to safeguard one of the most beautiful vestiges of the Order of the Temple.
Conferences, symposia, private events
The events held at the Commanderie d'Epailly aim to make this exceptional site a place of discovery, exchange and study of the medieval world.
The Association of Friends of the Commandery of Epailly
The aim of the Association is to organise cultural and recreational events to raise awareness of the Commanderie
of Epailly and to contribute to the preservation of the site. It brings together individuals and legal entities wishing to participate in or support its activities. The Board of Directors is made up of academics (medieval historians and specialists in medieval architecture) and local personalities concerned about the preservation of the sites.
Restoration work
Left untended for too long, the commander's house had to be rebuilt in the early 19th century on top of the castle's existing cellar (dating from the early 13th century). Over the past twelve years, a methodical programme of restoration has been carried out under the initiative of the current owner.
by the current owner. The courtyards were cleared of unsightly silos and buildings, and the chapel was cleared of overgrown vegetation.
vegetation. Then, under the direction of the chief architect of historic monuments, major work was carried out in the chapel, in particular to stabilise the vaults and make the roof watertight. All the windows have been re-opened and glazed, giving the heart plenty of light.