La Cathédrale Saint-Jean

The 12th and 18th century Saint-Jean Cathedral has the particularity of having two apses: the Romanesque choir and the richly decorated 18th century counter-choir. Among the valuable furniture, the circular white marble altar, the only French example of this type, stands out, or the painting of "The Virgin of the Saints" painted in 1512 by Fra Bartolomeo. Next to it, this is the famous Astronomical Clock with a complex mechanism whose many animated figures evoke the resurrection of Christ.
Guided tour possible on request from Besançon Tourisme et Congrès.

Dates

Opening periods

The cathedral is open all year round at the following times: 9am to 6pm (from All Saints' Day to Easter), 9am to 7pm (the rest of the year).

from Fri 11/01 to Tue 12/31/2024 : from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
from Wed 01/01 to Mon 03/31/2025 : from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
from Tue 04/01 to Fri 10/17/2025 : from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Practical information

Group service

Thematic

Religious heritage

Listed or registered (CNMHS)

Visite de la Cathédrale St Jean

BESANCON - from 01/24/2025 to 04/11/2025

Du palais des archevêques au rectorat

BESANCON -

Centre Diocésain AP 1er de Grammont

BESANCON - from 12/26/2024 to 12/31/2025

Horloge Astronomique