Well of Moses, Dijon Travel Guide

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Discover a 14th-century masterpiece in Dijon: the Well of Moses, a monumental sculpture with intricate details and profound symbolism.

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Well of Moses

The Well of Moses (Puits de Moïse) in Dijon is a celebrated monumental sculpture by Dutch artist Claus Sluter, created between 1395 and 1405. Commissioned by Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, it originally served as a centerpiece for the Chartreuse de Champmol, a Carthusian monastery and dynastic burial site. Today, the hexagonal base adorned with sculptures of prophets and angels remains, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of Burgundy.

A brief summary to Well of Moses

1 Bd Chanoine Kir, Dijon, 21000, FR
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Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Well of Moses.

Visit during weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Check for guided tours available at the site for a deeper understanding of its history.
Combine your visit with a trip to the Musée Archéologique to see fragments of the original Calvary.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Tour Philippe le Bon

Explore Well of Moses on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Well of Moses, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Dijon city center, the Well of Moses is accessible by tram and a short walk. Take tram line T1 or T2 from any central tram stop to the 'Gare' stop. From there, walk south on Boulevard de la Gare, then turn right onto Boulevard Chanoine Kir. The Well of Moses will be on your right, approximately a 10-minute walk from the tram stop. A single tram fare is approximately €1.60.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from the Dijon city center to the Well of Moses is a quick and convenient option. The ride typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between €6 and €8 for the trip.
Driving

If driving, start from the center of Dijon. Head southeast on Rue de la Liberté toward Rue de la Préfecture. Continue onto Boulevard de la Trémouille, then take a slight left onto Boulevard Chanoine Kir. The Well of Moses is located at 1 Boulevard Chanoine Kir, 21000 Dijon. There is usually street parking available nearby. Parking is chargeable from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and free on Sundays and holidays. Parking fees vary depending on the zone and duration, but expect to pay around €2-3 per hour.

Discover more about Well of Moses

The Well of Moses, or *Puits de Moïse* in French, stands as a testament to medieval artistry and Burgundian history. Created by Dutch artist Claus Sluter between 1395 and 1405, with assistance from his nephew Claus de Werve, this monumental sculpture was commissioned for the Chartreuse de Champmol by Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. The Chartreuse de Champmol was intended to serve as a dynastic burial place for the Valois Dukes of Burgundy.Originally, the Well of Moses consisted of four elements: a well approximately four meters deep, fed by water from the nearby Ouche river; a hexagonal pier adorned with sculptures of prophets and angels; a terrace atop the pillar; and a tall cross rising from the center. The structure was located in the central courtyard of the monastery's cloister. Over time, the upper portions of the work suffered weather damage, and further damage occurred during the French Revolution in 1791. Today, only the hexagonal base with its sculptures remains intact.The hexagonal base features life-sized sculptures of six Old Testament prophets: Moses, David, Jeremiah, Zechariah, Daniel, and Isaiah. Each prophet is depicted with intricate detail and expressive features, showcasing Sluter's skill in combining International Gothic elegance with northern realism. Weeping angels stand on slender colonnettes between the prophets, adding to the sculpture's emotional depth. The figures were originally painted and gilded by Jean Malouel, and traces of this paint remain. The prophet Jeremiah is believed to bear a crypto-portrait of Philip the Bold.Visiting the Well of Moses offers a unique opportunity to witness a masterpiece of medieval sculpture and delve into the history of the Chartreuse de Champmol and the Dukes of Burgundy. The site is open to the public and located on the grounds of the Centre Hospitalier La Chartreuse. While visiting the Well of Moses, take the time to explore other attractions in Dijon, such as the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, Notre-Dame of Dijon, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.