The church of Piépape is notable for its cylindrical bell tower (32 metres high), which is extremely rare in the region. The building dates from the 19th century, with the exception of the choir dating from the second half of the 12th century and the former 13th-century seigniorial chapel. The nave was rebuilt in the 18th century and the tower-porch dates from 1834. The elongated building has a single nave covered by a false barrel vault, a porch tower with a square base topped by a circular tower crowned by a zinc bell tower, and a two-bay rib-vaulted choir ending in a flat chevet.
This church is mentioned in the chronicles of Béze Abbey in the 12th century. "Robert, priest of Pleopapa" officiated in this ancient sanctuary. With its small windows and two rustic pillars, the chancel retains the distinctive character of the Romanesque style. Adjacent is an elegant 15th-century chapel with fine ribbing, a Gothic door and ogival windows. It was the feudal chapel and an underground vault still contains the graves of the former lords.
The bell tower is unique in France: it is a round tower, 32 m high, which ends in a terrace bordered by a railing and topped by a bell tower. Why such a tower at Piépape, so similar in every way to a lighthouse? Popular memory is full of legends...
The wife of a sailor who died at sea is said to have left a legacy for the reconstruction of the bell tower, asking that it be an exact replica of a lighthouse, in memory of her husband whom she wished to honour.
Another legend has it that the round shape was chosen by the elected representatives of the time because the contractor was asking for a staggering sum to rebuild a square tower, due to the high cost of the corner stones. The round tower cost half as much.
How much of this is true? The village archives tell us of "a tender for the reconstruction of the tower of the church of Piépape in favour of Mr Pochiet for the sum of 5,582.30 F. Author of the estimate and supervision: Mr Minguet of Langres on 7 November 1834".
Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Piépape
