Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene

General restoration
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Information

Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene in Vézelay was originally an abbey church and a major stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

Vézelay, 89450
France
Project owner

Town of Vézelay

Type of operation

Catering

Mission(s)

Complete project management
Master plan since 2012 / Framework agreement since 2013
DET in progress – Restoration of the nave and aisles

Surface

2,947 square meters

Amount of work

€1,450,000 excluding tax

Estimated delivery

2027

Consecrated in 1104, it embodies one of the pinnacles of Burgundian Romanesque art, notably through its nave sculpted with capitals and the tympanum of the narthex. Listed as a Historic Monument in 1840 and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 for its universal value, it enjoys international renown and enhanced protection.

Despite restoration work carried out since the 19th century, the building continued to show signs of structural weakness.

 

In 2012, a master plan for preservation and enhancement was drawn up in consultation with the various institutional stakeholders to ensure the long-term restoration of the basilica and its immediate surroundings. This plan highlighted the damage affecting several major parts of the building, including the north transept, the narthex, the side towers, the crypt, and the choir. As a result, the municipality of Vézelay, together with its partners, entrusted this vast project management operation to the 2BDM agency under a framework agreement signed in 2013.

Since then, the agency has been overseeing the major stages of this rigorous project: restoration of the crypt and choir (completed in 2015), refurbishment of the liturgical choir (2018), consolidation of the Saint-Antoine tower and the south transept, restoration of the north transept, the west facade, and the nave portals (2020).

 

Each intervention is part of a conservation approach, sometimes involving archaeological excavations, technical upgrades, and improvements to visitor facilities. The redevelopment of the basilica forecourt (2025) is also part of this approach, aiming to make the monumental complex more accessible and provide visitors with a harmonious experience.

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