26.06.2025 17:51
During restoration work at the 12th-century Saint-Philibert Church in France, a staircase hidden beneath the concrete was discovered. Archaeologists and architects descending the staircase uncovered a burial chamber that had been sealed for at least 400 years. Inside the chamber, there are remains of children and adults buried in coffins.
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A 400-year-old grave was found during restoration work at the 12th-century Saint-Philibert Church in Dijon, France.
THE ONLY STRUCTURE STILL STANDING
The church, built in the style of Roman architecture and the only structure of this style still standing in the city, was closed to worship after the French Revolution and was used as a salt depot for a time in the 20th century. This use caused serious damage to the stones of the structure.
CONCRETE REMOVED, REMAINS FOUND
During a faulty restoration in 1974, heated concrete was laid on the ground. However, this application caused the underground moisture and salt to rise, leading to cracks in the stones. As part of a new restoration initiated in recent years, this concrete was removed, and remains were found beneath the church.
SEALING A BURIAL CHAMBER FOR 400 YEARS
Excavations conducted by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) uncovered a long-forgotten staircase beneath the concrete. This staircase leads to a burial chamber that has been sealed for at least 400 years. Inside the chamber, remains of children and adults buried in coffins were found.
THOUGHT TO BE VICTIMS OF A DISASTER
Researchers believe that these individuals may have been victims of a disaster that caused mass deaths, such as an epidemic or famine. According to INRAP's statement, the burial chamber likely dates back to the 15th or 16th century. During the excavations, gravestones from the 11th and 13th centuries and sarcophagi dating back to the 6th century were also found.
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