THE ROMANESQUE CRYPT OF THE CATHEDRAL
onserved at the moment of the Gothic reconstruction in the 13th century, the Romanesque crypt of Saint-Etienne had been built between 1023 and 1030 during the episcopate of Hugh of Chalon.
This large structure is comprised of a three-aisled central unit surrounded by an ambulatory. The systematic employment of well-finished, medium-sized blocks and the use of composite piers makes this an essential work of the Early Romanesque.
An ensemble of late 11th century painted decoration is preserved in the crypt's eastern axial chapel. This represents the mounted Christ riding of the Apocalypse accompanied by the heavenly cohorts.
This unique iconographic program is very revealing of the spirit of reform that blew upon the Church and that sought to remove it from the hold of secular authority.
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