Dijon could have been the capital of the kingdom, but the Dukes of Burgundy, as great and powerful as they became, couldn't topple the King of France. However, they each left their mark on history in their own way.
Welcome to the mayor's office of Dijon.
So, who are the Dukes of Burgundy and where did they live?
Philip the Bold, the first Duke of Burgundy
It all began in 1363 with the appointment of the first Duke of Burgundy, Philippe the Bold. As his name suggests, he was brave and determined to make Burgundy an influential power. He transformed Dijon into a true capital of good taste by building the Palace of the Dukes, which you can still admire today. It's said that he loved life and encouraged the arts and culture in his duchy.
John the Fearless, eldest son of Philippe the Bold
You might think that a Duke without fear is already seen, but think again; he had every reason to boast. He was at the center of an epic conflict, the civil war between the Armagnacs and the Burgundians, by , the cousin of the King of France. He was killed in 1419 by the men of King Charles VII, whose position he coveted.
Philip the Good, only son of John the Fearless
The third Duke of Burgundy followed with grandeur and brought the region to its peak. He was a savvy strategist and knew how to surround himself with artists and scholars. It was he who had the famous tower built that still dominates the entire Palace of the Dukes today and bears his name.
Charles the Bold, the fourth and last Duke of Burgundy
His nickname suited him perfectly, as he was quite bold. Charles dreamed of a Burgundy empire that was bigger and more powerful than ever. He tried to conquer the duchy of Lorraine, which led to some unexpected consequences. He ultimately met a tragic end during the siege of Nancy in 1477.
Marie of Burgundy, the dispossessed heir
The only daughter of Charles the Bold, she inherited his temperament and took control of the duchy after her father's death. Married to Archduke Maximilian of Austria, she formed a alliance between Burgundy and Austria. Her reign was short-lived, as King Louis XI reclaimed the Burgundian territories, which could only be governed by a man, according to Salic law.
Even today, the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy stands majestically in the heart of downtown Dijon, an eternal testament to the grandeur and refinement of the Dukes of Burgundy. This building is none other than Dijon’s town hall.
What is the history of the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy?
A magnificent residence of the dukes of Burgundy, the ducal palace is much more than a mere historic monument. As you stroll through its vast halls, you will delve into the tumultuous history of...the region. Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere by exploring the rich collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in part of the palace. You'll be dazzled by the artistic masterpieces that trace the evolution of European art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Don't miss the Philippe Le Bon Tower for a stunning view of the city and its surroundings. Why not take the opportunity to try a dining aperitif 46 meters high with a 360° view of Dijon? The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy is a true cultural treasure that offers an immersive experience, perfect for history lovers and curious explorers alike.
Photo taken from the garden of the town hall in Dijon
